Definition. Hyperaldosteronism is a disorder in which the adrenal gland releases too much of the hormone aldosterone into the blood. Hyperaldosteronism can be primary or secondary.
Primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) occurs due to the excess aldosterone production by the adrenal gland. The most common cause of PHA (in two-thirds of the patients) is idiopathic bilateral adrenal hyperplasia.
Hyperaldosteronism can be caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland or may be a response to some diseases. High aldosterone levels can cause high blood pressure and low potassium levels. Low potassium levels may cause weakness, tingling, muscle spasms, and periods of temporary paralysis.
Some cases of hyperaldosteronism are curable, depending on the type and cause. “Adrenalectomy” is the medical term for the removal of one or both adrenal glands. This procedure may cure primary hyperaldosteronism in some cases. Overall, the outlook for people living with hyperaldosteronism is good.
It is very silent and deadly. The risk of stroke, heart attack and heart arrhythmias are increased 10-fold; 1,000%) compared to age-, sex- and blood pressure matched patients with essential hypertension (high blood pressure NOT related to an adrenal tumor).
There was an obvious increasing trend for mortality rates based on the follow-up year. Only one study reported the mortality rates of idiopathic hyperaldosteronism, and were about 1.51% at 3, 5, and 7.5 years while 10.61% at 10 years (22).
Primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism have common symptoms, including: High blood pressure. Low level of potassium in the blood. Feeling tired all the time.
Less well known is the fact that Conn's syndrome (Primary hyperaldosteronism) also can cause weight gain. The link between aldosterone, obesity, and weight gain has been studied in detail. Aldosterone levels are already elevated in obese individuals (without and adrenal tumor).
Healthcare providers usually recommend treating primary hyperaldosteronism caused by an adrenal gland tumor by surgically removing the tumor. In some cases, these tumors can be treated with only medication. Even after surgery, you might still have high blood pressure and need to take medicine to manage it.
Do not eat foods that are very salty, such as bacon, canned soups and vegetables, olives, bouillon, soy sauce, and salty snacks like potato chips or pretzels. A low-salt diet can also increase aldosterone levels. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt food plan.
Primary hyperaldosteronism is diagnosed by measuring the blood levels of aldosterone and renin (a hormone made by the kidney). To best measure these hormones, blood samples should be drawn in the morning. In primary hyperaldosteronism, the aldosterone level will be high while renin will be low or undetectable.
Most cases of primary hyperaldosteronism result from a benign tumor of the adrenal gland, and occur in people between the ages of 30 and 50 years old. The excess aldosterone secreted in this condition increases sodium reabsorption and potassium loss by the kidneys. The result is an electrolyte imbalance.
Spironolactone is the most effective drug for controlling the effects of hyperaldosteronism, though it may interfere with the progression of puberty.
Psychological stress also activates the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system which stimulates rennin release leading to increases in angiotensin II and aldosterone secretion.
This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern , which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.
Primary hyperaldosteronism is a known cause for secondary hypertension. In addition to its effect on blood pressure, aldosterone exhibits proinflammatory actions and plays a role in immunomodulation/development of autoimmunity.
Conn's syndrome is a rare health problem that occurs when the adrenal glands make too much aldosterone. This problem is also known as primary hyperaldosteronism. Aldosterone is a hormone that controls salt and potassium levels in the blood. Too much leads to high blood pressure.
The Endocrine Society's clinical practice guideline recommend 4 confirmatory tests, including the fludrocortisone suppression test (FST), saline infusion test (SIT), captopril challenge test (CCT), and oral sodium loading.
The aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) is the most reliable screening test for primary hyperaldosteronism. This is very easy to do and only requires one tube of blood to be drawn from your arm. Ask your doctor to get a simple blood test to check your plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and plasma renin activity (PRA).
Aldosterone increases urine production and decreases apical AQP2 expression in rats with diabetes insipidus.
The adrenal body type
If you have this body type, you may have a sagging belly. This kind of belly fat comes from elevated cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. High cortisol is caused by chronic stress, which is why a healthy diet may not fully resolve the issues you experience with the adrenal body type.
High aldosterone symptoms
Muscle weakness, especially if potassium levels are very low. Extreme thirst and frequent urination.
Primary aldosteronism results from overproduction of aldosterone by the adrenal glands themselves. This hormone helps regulate the body's balance of water and sodium (salt), blood volume and blood pressure. In some cases, primary aldosteronism results from benign, or noncancerous, tumors in one or both adrenal glands.
The signs and symptoms associated with Conn's Syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism) include low potassium in the blood (causing frequent urination), muscle cramps and heart palpitations (feeling your heart racing). These symptoms include fatigue, anxiety, depression, headache, and memory difficulties.
Twelve of 23 patients (52.2%) with primary hyperaldosteronism had an anxiety disorder compared to 4 of 23 patients (17.4%) with essential hypertension and one control (4.3%), suggesting that hyperaldosteronism is implicated in anxiety and stress.