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By: Uchenna Ani-okoye

Hyperaldosteronism As a Result of Hypertension

Just above the kidneys on either side you have the adrenal glands, these glands are retroperitoneal organs. They carry out a number of functions, and among these many functions is the production of a compound (like steroids), which the body uses in order to control the homeostasis and metabolism. Aldosterone is one of these, which the body produces in the adrenal cortex.

Mineralocorticoid is what is referred to as aldosterone, which means that it’s there to help control the potassium and sodium in your body. When aldosterone is over produced, it can lead to the creation of a tumour of both or just one adrenal glands which will over secrete the aldosterone, or it can lead to a condition that is referred to as primary hyperaldosteronism, where the body’s adrenal glands will constantly over produce steroids.

Hyperaldosteronism is a condition that is quite common, as it is the most common cause of secondary hypertension in people aged between 40 and 64. Secondary hypertension is basically high blood pressure which has been caused by an underlying problem unlike hypertension which has been caused by a problem that doesn’t seem to have any cause.

Physicians are taught in medical school how to screen for hyperaldosteronism by ordered the level of serum potassium, which if is seen to be low in patients that are not taking diuretic or any other kind of medication which is known to make potassium levels low, is a good clue for further evaluations for possible hyperaldosteronism. Studies have now shown that low levels of serum potassium are noted in less than 30% of those who suffer from hyperaldosteronism. Serum aldosterone/rennin ratio is currently the best screen test available today. If the aldosterone levels are less than 15 and the ratio less than 20 then there’s a strong possibility of hyperaldosteronism, in which case additional evaluation is a must, which is usually done through an endocrine specialist.