Learn About Hyperaldosteronism
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.
Conn syndrome; Mineralocorticoid excess
Hyperaldosteronism occurs when the adrenal glands release too much aldosterone.
Primary hyperaldosteronism is due to a problem of the adrenal glands themselves. Most cases are caused by a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the adrenal gland.
Secondary hyperaldosteronism is due to a problem elsewhere in the body that causes the adrenal glands to release too much aldosterone. These problems can be with:
- Genes
- Diet
- Medical disorders such as with the heart, liver, kidneys, or high blood pressure
The condition mostly affects people 30 to 50 years old and is a common cause of high blood pressure in middle age.
Primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism have common symptoms, including:
- High blood pressure
- Low level of potassium in the blood
- Feeling tired all the time
- Headache
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
Primary hyperaldosteronism caused by an adrenal gland tumor is often treated with surgery. It can sometimes be treated with medicines.
Removing the adrenal tumor may control the symptoms. Even after surgery, some people still have high blood pressure and need to take medicine. But often, the number of medicines or doses can be lowered.
Limiting salt intake and taking medicine may control the symptoms without surgery. Medicines to treat hyperaldosteronism include:
- Medicines that block the action of aldosterone
- Water pills (diuretics), which help manage fluid buildup in the body
Secondary hyperaldosteronism is treated with medicines (as described above) and limiting salt intake. Surgery is usually not used.
Hironobu Sasano practices in Sendai, Japan. Sasano is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hyperaldosteronism. Their top areas of expertise are Adrenal Gland Adenoma, Hyperaldosteronism, Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Mastectomy.
Martin Reincke practices in Augsburg, Germany. Mr. Reincke is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hyperaldosteronism. His top areas of expertise are Hyperaldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome, Adrenal Gland Adenoma, Cushing's disease, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Gian Rossi practices in Padova, Italy. Mr. Rossi is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hyperaldosteronism. His top areas of expertise are Hyperaldosteronism, Hypertension, Adrenal Cancer, Angioplasty, and Endoscopy.
The outlook for primary hyperaldosteronism is good with early diagnosis and treatment.
The outlook for secondary hyperaldosteronism depends on the cause of the condition.
Primary hyperaldosteronism can cause very high blood pressure, which can damage many organs, including the eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain.
Erection problems and enlarged breast tissue in men (gynecomastia) may occur with long-term use of medicines to block the effect of hyperaldosteronism.
Contact your provider for an appointment if you develop symptoms of hyperaldosteronism.
Summary: This is a Phase III, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of baxdrostat versus placebo, on the reduction of Seated Blood Pressure (SBP) and unsuppression of Plasma Renin Activity (PRA) in approximately 180 participants ≥ 18 years of age with Primary Aldosteronism (PA), with or without prior treatment with...
Background: The adrenal gland makes the hormone aldosterone. This helps regulate blood pressure. An adrenal gland tumor that makes too much aldosterone can cause high blood pressure and low potassium. The cause of these tumors is unknown, but sometimes they are inherited.
Published Date: July 30, 2023
Published By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Nieman LK. Adrenal cortex. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 208.
Young WF. Endocrine hypertension. In. Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 16.