Hyperaldosteronism is a disease caused by problems in the adrenal glands which produce steroid hormones including aldosterone. Aldosterone controls sodium and potassium levels in the blood, and its overproduction leads to high blood pressure by retaining salt and losing potassium. Primary Hyperaldosteronism is caused by a problem within the adrenal glands such as a benign tumor or adrenal hyperplasia, while Secondary is caused by something outside the glands like medications or other medical conditions. Symptoms include high blood pressure and issues from low potassium levels. The condition is diagnosed through blood and imaging tests and treated by addressing its underlying cause through medication or surgery.
2. Hyperaldosteronism is a disease caused by
problems in the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands produce groups of steroid
hormones called:
◦ Mineralocorticoids
◦ Sex hormones
◦ Glucocorticoids
Aldosterone is one of the hormones
produced. It is an integral part of
Hyperaldosteronism.
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4. Aldosterone is a hormone that controls sodium
and potassium levels in the blood. Its
overproduction leads to retention of salt and
loss of potassium, which then leads to
hypertension (high blood pressure).
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5. People in their 30’s-50’s (adulthood), with
prevalence increasing with age
Females are more likely to be affected than males
African Americans have a significantly greater
risk of fatality from the disease than other races
Rare in children (It is more likely to have been
inherited if diagnosed in a child)
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7. •Caused by a problem within the adrenal glands
•Usually caused by a benign tumor of the adrenal
gland or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
(enlargement of an organ caused by an increase
in the reproduction rate of its cells)
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8. Secondary Hyperaldosteronism is when the
excess aldosterone is caused by something
outside the adrenal gland and mimics the
primary condition.
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9. Increased renin production, commonly caused by the
ingestion of oral contraceptives and toxemia from
pregnancy.
Conditions like congestive heart failure, liver failure,
kidney disease, cirrhosis, and dehydration
Certain medicines like diuretics and fludrocortisone.
Anything that decreases blood flow to the kidneys,
lowers blood pressure, or lowers sodium levels.
*Renin - An enzyme secreted by and stored in the kidney area that
stimulates aldosterone and therefore, raises blood pressure
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11. Symptoms are similar to those of Primary
Hyperaldosteronism
Moderate hypertension (high blood pressure)
Most individuals have no other specific symptoms.
However, some may have:
◦ Muscle weakness
◦ Fatigue
◦ Temporary paralysis
◦ Cramping
◦ Headaches
◦ Low potassium level
◦ Tingling
◦ Muscle spasms
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12. Elevated aldosterone levels can be measured in the blood or
urine.
◦ In a blood test, PRA (Plasma renin activity), is used to
distinguish between primary (low PRA) and secondary
Hyperaldosteronism (high PRA).
Abdominal CT scans can show adrenal masses
Electrocardiograms (ECGs) can show abnormalities in heart
rhythm that are often associated with low potassium level.
It is likely that many cases of secondary Hyperaldosteronism
are never detected.
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13. Secondary Hyperaldosteronism is treated by
treating the underlying cause.
Typically, medication and diet (but not surgery)
are used
When untreated, the disease can lead to
uncontrolled hypertension (which can become a
risk factor for stroke and heart disease).
The outlook for the patient depends on the
cause of the condition
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14. Hyperaldosteronism is relatively uncommon but
still accounts for about 0.5% of cases of
hypertension in the United States.
Secondary Hyperaldosteronism is more common
than Primary.
Eating large amounts of real black licorice can
produce a similar syndrome due to a chemical
that acts like aldosterone.
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