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Primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism

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.

Causes

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.

Symptoms

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

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.

Tests that may be ordered to diagnose hyperaldosteronism include:

• Abdominal CT scan

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Blood aldosterone level

• Blood renin activity

• Blood potassium level

• Urinary aldosterone

• Kidney ultrasound

Sometimes blood and urine tests may be done after eating a high salt diet or after receiving saline through a vein (intravenous). You may need to stop taking some medicines before the tests. Your provider will tell you what to do before the procedure.

Another procedure involves inserting a catheter into the veins of the adrenal glands. This helps check which of the two adrenal glands is making too much aldosterone. This test is important because many people have small benign tumors in the adrenal glands that do not secrete any hormones. Relying only on a CT scan may result in the wrong adrenal gland being removed.

Treatment

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outlook for primary hyperaldosteronism is good with early diagnosis and treatment.

The outlook for secondary hyperaldosteronism depends on the cause of the condition.

Possible Complications

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.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider for an appointment if you develop symptoms of hyperaldosteronism.

References

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.

Review Date: 7/30/2023

Reviewed 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.