Health Encyclopedia

Hyperaldosteronism - primary and secondary

Definition

Primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism are conditions in which the adrenal gland releases too much of the hormone aldosterone.

Alternative Names

Conn syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Persons with primary hyperaldosteronism have a problem with the adrenal gland that causes it too release too much aldosterone.

In secondary hyperaldosteronism, the excess aldosterone is caused by something outside the adrenal gland that mimics the primary condition.

Primary hyperaldosteronism used to be considered a rare condition, but some experts believe that it may be the cause of high blood pressure in some patients. Most cases of primary hyperaldosteronism are caused by a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the adrenal gland. The condition is common in people ages 30 - 50.

Secondary hyperaldosteronism is generally related to high blood pressure. It is also related to disorders such as:

Symptoms

Fatigue
Headache
High blood pressure
Intermittent paralysis
Muscle weakness
Numbness

Signs and tests

Abdominal CT scan that shows adrenal mass
ECG that shows heart rhythm abnormalities associated with low potassium levels
Elevated plasma aldosterone level
Elevated urinary aldosterone
Low plasma renin activity
Low serum potassium level

This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:

Treatment

Primary hyperaldosteronism caused by a tumor is usually treated with surgery. Removing adrenal tumors may control the symptoms. Even after surgery, some people have high blood pressure and need to take medication.

Watching your salt intake and taking medication may control the symptoms without surgery. Medications used to treat hyperaldosteronism are the diuretic ("water pill") spironolactone (Aldactone; Aldactazide) or eplerenone (Inspra), which blocks the action of aldosterone.

Surgery isn't used for secondary hyperaldosteronism, but medications and diet are part of treatment.

Expectations (prognosis)

The prognosis for primary hyperaldosteronism is good with early diagnosis and treatment. The prognosis for secondary hyperaldosteronism will vary depending on the cause of the condition.

Complications

Impotence and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men) may occur with long-term spironolactone treatment in men, but this is uncommon.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of hyperaldosteronism.

Review Date:12/6/2007
Reviewed By:Nancy J. Rennert, M.D., Chief of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.