Primary hyperaldosteronism: the most common form of secondary hypertension
Authors:
J. Widimský jr.
Authors‘ workplace:
Centrum pro hypertenzi, III. interní klinika VFN
a 1. LF UK v Praze
Published in:
Kardiol Rev Int Med 2010, 12(2): 77-79
Overview
Primary hyperaldosteronism as the most common cause of the endocrine as well as the secondary hypertension results from autonomous over-production of mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) by the adrenal gland, leading to high levels of aldosterone, suppressed renin and arterial hypertension. Most frequently this is bilateral over-production of aldosterone (idiopathic type) consequent to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma. Primary hyperaldosteronism should be considered and the basic screening investigations should be performed in the following categories of patients: moderate and severe hypertension, treatment-resistant hypertension, hypertension and hypokalaemia, hypertension and enlargement of one or both adrenal glands. However, diagnostics and therapy of primary hyperaldosteronism are associated with some difficulties and thus every patient with suspected primary hyperaldosteronism should be examined at a specialized hypertension centre.
Keywords:
primary hyperaldosteronism – hypertension – prevalence – diagnostics – treatment
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Labels
Paediatric cardiology Internal medicine Cardiac surgery CardiologyArticle was published in
Cardiology Review
2010 Issue 2
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