HyperaldosteronismSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Hyperaldosteronism
Hyperaldosteronism is a condition 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 for it. 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.
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Dr. Richard Auchus is a professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes (MEND) and Chief of the Endocrinology & Metabolism Section at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. He received his medical degree and Ph.D. in pharmacology from Washington University in St. Louis. Then Dr. Auchus completed a residency at the University of Iowa and an endocrinology fellowship at UTHSC-San Antonio/Wilford Hall Medical Center. Dr. Auchus came to UMHS from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Southwestern Medical School, University of Texas, where he was a Professor of Internal Medicine - Endocrinology.Dr. Auchus is a steroid biologist with expertise both in basic science and clinical/translational science. His work has included translational research into: molecular and genetic mechanisms of human hypertension, improved diagnostic studies and management in primary aldosteronism and Cushing syndromes, modifier genes in 21-hydroxylase deficiency, cardiovascular disease in polycystic ovary syndrome, and the endocrinology of traumatic brain injury. Dr. Auchus is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hyperaldosteronism. His top areas of expertise are Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), Intersex, Cushing's syndrome, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and Orchiectomy.
G. V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center
Celso Gomez is an Endocrinologist in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Gomez is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hyperaldosteronism. His top areas of expertise are Hyperaldosteronism, Adrenal Gland Adenoma, Familial Hyperaldosteronism, and Adrenal Cancer.
Penn Endocrine And Oncologic Surgery Radnor
Heather Wachtel is a General Surgeon in Radnor, Pennsylvania. Dr. Wachtel has been practicing medicine for over 17 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hyperaldosteronism. Her top areas of expertise are Hyperaldosteronism, Hyperparathyroidism, Pheochromocytoma, Parathyroidectomy, and Thyroidectomy. Dr. Wachtel is currently accepting new patients.
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 if you develop symptoms of hyperaldosteronism.
Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects about 29.5 million people in the United States. Only 3 medicines have been approved by Food and Drug Administration to treat AUD. Researchers want to find better treatments for AUD. Animal studies found that a medicine called spironolactone, may decrease the amount of alcohol the animals drank. Spironolactone is approved to treat high blood pressure, or heart fai...
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 13, 2025
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.
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