A Simple Guide to Hyperaldosteronism, Diagnosis, Treatment and Related Conditions

This book describes Hyperaldosteronism, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related Diseases

Aldosterone is the hormone produced by the adrenal gland that helps regulate the blood pressure by changing the electrolytes levels such as potassium and sodium in the blood.

Hyperaldosteronism is an endocrine disorder that affects one or both of the adrenal glands producing too much of a hormone called aldosterone.

Excess aldosterone permits the body to lose too much potassium and retain too much sodium, which increases water retention, blood volume, and blood pressure.

This will in turn raise the amount of fluid in the body, and therefore increases the blood pressure.

Hyperaldosteronism is a medical disorder in which one or both adrenal glands secrete too much aldosterone.

Hyperaldosteronism can be primary or secondary.

The word "primary hyper-aldosteronism" means that the disorder is the result of a problem in the adrenal glands.

Disorders outside of the adrenal glands can also result in too much aldosterone, but these disorders are called secondary hyperaldosteronism.

There are 2 forms of hyperaldosteronism, termed primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism.

While they have the same symptoms, their causes of their disorders are different.

Primary hyperaldosteronism is produced by a disorder with one or both adrenal glands.

It is occasionally referred to as Conn’s syndrome.

Some people are born with overactive adrenal glands.

Others might have it due to:
1. A benign tumor on one of the adrenal glands
2. Adrenocortical cancer, which is a rare aldosterone-producing cancerous tumor
3. Glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism, a type of aldosteronism that runs in families
4. Other types of inheritable issues that affect the adrenal glands

Secondary hyperaldosteronism is produced by some disorder outside the adrenal glands.

It is normally linked to the decreased blood flow to the kidneys.

Several things can cause this, such as:
1. A blockage or narrowing of the renal artery
2. Chronic liver disease
3. Heart failure
4. Diuretic medications

Primary hyperaldosteronism can be the result of either unilateral disorder (i.e. hyperactivity in one adrenal gland) or bilateral disorder (i.e. over activity of both adrenal glands).

The symptoms of primary hyperaldosteronism are the result of the hypertension and hypokalemia.

The main sign of hyperaldosteronism is high blood pressure which can vary from moderate to severe.

Primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism has frequent symptoms:
1. Headache
2. Vision problems
3. Muscle weakness
4. Numbness
5. Paralysis that comes and goes
6. Fatigue
7. Muscle cramps
8. Increased urination
9. Increased thirst

Patients suspected of having primary hyperaldosteronism based on signs, symptoms, or resistant hypertension should be evaluated.

The best screening tests to detect if a patient has primary hyperaldosteronism are simple blood tests that measure the levels of blood potassium, aldosterone, and rennin, an enzyme released by the kidney that works with aldosterone to help balance blood pressure.

1. Plasma and urine aldosterone level: high
2. Plasma renin activity: low
3. Serum potassium level: low

Computed tomography (CAT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen is the best imaging test to study the adrenal glands.

Patients over 40 years of age and those without presence of an adrenal tumor seen on imaging should also have another special test called adrenal venous sampling.

Treating hyperaldosteronism focuses on reducing the aldosterone levels or blocking the effects of aldosterone, high blood pressure, and low blood potassium.

TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Hyperaldosteronism
Chapter 2 Causes
Chapter 3 Symptoms
Chapter 4 Diagnosis
Chapter 5 Treatment
Chapter 6 Prognosis
Chapter 7 Adrenal Insufficiency
(Updated)
Chapter 8 Life and Death of an Adrenal Gland
Epilogue