primary hyperaldosteronism

Primary hyperaldosteronism is a condition where the adrenal cortex oversecretes the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone's main role is to help the kidneys retain salt and water while excreting potassium.12

This condition, first described by Jerome Conn, is often caused by a benign tumor (adenoma) in the adrenal cortex or by hyperplasia (excessive cell growth) in both adrenal glands. Key symptoms include high blood pressure (hypertension) and low potassium levels (hypokalemia), which can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, increased thirst, and urination.1

Primary hyperaldosteronism is a rare cause of hypertension, accounting for less than 5% of cases. Diagnosis involves finding high aldosterone levels in blood and urine with low renin activity. Treatment depends on the cause: surgery for tumors or medication for hyperplasia.1