Hyperaldosteronism is a disease of the adrenal glands in which the adrenal glands overproduce a hormone called aldosterone. There are primary aldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) and secondary aldosteronism. What are the causes and symptoms of hyperaldosteronism? What is the treatment?

Hyperaldosteronismis a disease caused by the excessive secretion of aldosterone, a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex. The adrenal glands are an organ located above the upper pole of the kidneys. Aldosterone is responsible for the excretion of adequate amounts of potassium in the urine, and the reabsorption of sodium ions in the kidneys, preventing their excretion and excessive loss, which would be associated with dehydration and a drop in blood pressure. There areprimary hyperaldosteronism( Conn's syndrome ) andsecondary hyperaldosteronism.

Primary (Conn's syndrome) and secondary hyperaldosteronism - causes

Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) is caused by:

  • adrenal adenoma (it is a benign, hormonally active tumor
  • hormonally active adrenal gland cancer
  • bilateral spontaneous adrenal hyperplasia
  • familial hyperaldosteronism

Secondary aldosteronism is a type of aldosteronism, the causes of which should be sought outside of the adrenal glands (it is not associated with a dysfunction of their functioning). May be the result of:

  • dehydration
  • cirrhosis of the liver
  • of nephrotic syndrome
  • heart failure
  • renin secreting tumor
  • used oral contraception

Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) and secondary symptoms

  • treatment-resistant arterial hypertension - increased aldosterone concentration in the blood leads to excessive accumulation and retention of water in the body and, consequently, an increase in blood pressure
  • pollakiuria
  • increased thirst
  • puffiness
  • muscle weakness (due to low potassium levels)
  • fatigue
  • numbness in arms, hands, legs and feet
  • transient paralysis and muscle spasms
  • heart rhythm disturbance

Primary (Conn's syndrome) and secondary hyperaldosteronism - diagnosis. What tests should be performed?

In orderthe diagnosis should be made of aldosterone levels, which will be elevated in the event of aldosteronism. In the case of primary aldosteronism, it is also important to identify low renin activity. In addition, studies show low levels of potassium and high levels of sodium. Imaging tests that can reveal a tumor of the adrenal cortex are also helpful.

Screening for primary hyperaldosteronism is warranted in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension.

Primary (Conn's syndrome) and secondary hyperaldosteronism - treatment

People with hyperaldosteronism are given drugs that stop the secretion of aldosterone and lower the blood pressure. If the disease is caused by a tumor, it should be removed.

The treatment is supplemented by a diet low in sodium and high in potassium. High in potassium are dried apricots and plums, raisins, citrus fruits, whole grain flour products.

People should weigh themselves every day to control their weight gain.

If he weighs 1.5 kg in a day, he should see a doctor quickly, because his body retains too much water.

Worth knowing

Primary (Conn's syndrome) and secondary hyperaldosteronism - complications

  • nephropathy and even kidney failure
  • stroke
  • heart attack or other tissue ischemia
  • kidney cysts
  • metabolic syndrome

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