Primary aldosteronism

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

The main signs of primary aldosteronism are:

  • High blood pressure that takes several medications to control
  • High blood pressure along with a low potassium level (hypokalemia)

When to see a doctor
Have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have risk factors for hypertension, such as older age, diabetes, overweight, smoking or a family history of high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about how often you should be screened.

References
  1. Funder JW, et al. Case detection, diagnosis and treatment of patients with primary aldosteronism: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2008;(93):3266-3281.
  2. Gomez-Sanchez CE, et al. Three perspectives on aldosterone's role in cardiovascular disease: Salt's not the only bad guy. The Endocrine Society. http://www.endo-society.org/endo_news/tri_point/upload/Tri-Point-Series-June-2005-EN.pdf. Accessed Sept. 25, 2008.
  3. Young WF, et al. Clinical features of primary aldosteronism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 25, 2008.
  4. Hyperaldosteronism. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec12/ch153/ch153f.html. Accessed Sept. 25, 2008.
  5. Sechi LA. Long-term renal outcomes in patients with primary aldosteronism. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2006;295(22):2638-2645.
  6. Young WF, et al. Treatment of primary aldosteronism. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 25, 2008.
  7. Aldosterone and renin. Lab Tests Online. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/aldosterone/test.html. Accessed Sept. 28, 2008.
  8. Young WF, et al. Clinical features of primary aldosteronism. http://www.uptodate.com/online/content/topic.do?topicKey=adrenal/19130&selectedTitle=3~56&source=search_result. Accessed Nov. 28, 2008.
  9. Young WF, et al. Treatment of primary aldosteronism. http://www.uptodate.com/online/content/topic.do?topicKey=adrenal/19430&selectedTitle=2~56&source=search_result. Accessed Nov. 28, 2008.

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Jan. 6, 2009

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