Primary aldosteronism
| Primary aldosteronism | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Primary hyperaldosteronism, Conn's syndrome |
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| Aldosterone | |
| Specialty | Endocrinology |
| Symptoms | High blood pressure, poor vision, headaches, muscular weakness, muscle spasms |
| Complications | Stroke, myocardial infarction, kidney failure, abnormal heart rhythms |
| Usual onset | 30 to 50 years old |
| Causes | Enlargement of both adrenal glands, adrenal adenoma, adrenal cancer, familial hyperaldosteronism |
| Diagnostic method | Blood test for aldosterone-to-renin ratio |
| Treatment | Surgery, spironolactone, eplerenone, low salt diet |
| Frequency | 10% of people with high blood pressure |
| Classification | |
|---|---|
| External resources |
Primary aldosteronism, also known as primary hyperaldosteronism or Conn's syndrome, is excess production of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands resulting in low renin levels. Often it produces few symptoms. Most people have high blood pressure which may cause poor vision or headaches. Occasionally there may be muscular weakness, muscle spasms, tingling sensations, or excessive urination. Complications include cardiovascular disease such as stroke, myocardial infarction, kidney failure, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Primary hyperaldosteronism has a number of causes. About 66% of cases are due to enlargement of both adrenal glands and 33% of cases are due to an adrenal adenoma that produces aldosterone. Other uncommon causes include adrenal cancer and an inherited disorder called familial hyperaldosteronism. Some recommend screening people with high blood pressure who are at increased risk while others recommend screening all people with high blood pressure for the disease. Screening is usually done by measuring the aldosterone-to-renin ratio in the blood with further testing used to confirm positive results. While low blood potassium is classically described this is only present in about a quarter of people. To determine the underlying cause medical imaging is carried out.
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