Could Primary Aldosteronism Be the Hidden Cause of Your Hypertension?
Could Primary Aldosteronism Be the Hidden Cause of Your Hypertension?
What's This About?
Primary aldosteronism is often overlooked as a cause of high blood pressure. This article explores what it is, how common it is, and why it matters for your heart health.
Contents
- Understanding Primary Aldosteronism
- Symptoms and Detection
- Why Early Detection Matters
Understanding Primary Aldosteronism
Primary aldosteronism happens when your body produces too much of a hormone called aldosterone, which can lead to high blood pressure and low potassium levels. While it used to be thought of as rare, recent studies show it's more common than we realized, affecting up to 10 percent of people with hypertension. This condition is important to diagnose because it increases the risk of heart problems more than regular high blood pressure.
Symptoms and Detection
Many people with primary aldosteronism don't realize it because the classic sign, low potassium, isn't always present. Instead, they often have high blood pressure that doesn't respond well to treatment. If you have high blood pressure along with symptoms like muscle cramps or fatigue, it might be worth checking for this condition. Doctors use specific blood tests to check hormone levels and look for signs of the disorder.
Why Early Detection Matters
Catching primary aldosteronism early can make a big difference. It can help prevent heart disease and improve blood pressure control. Treating the hormone imbalance can also lower the risk of serious complications like heart attacks and strokes. If you suspect you have it, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
FAQs
What is primary aldosteronism?
It's a condition where the body produces too much aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure.
Why is it underdiagnosed?
Many cases go unnoticed because typical symptoms like low potassium are not always present.
How common is it?
Studies suggest it affects up to 10% of people with high blood pressure.
What are the risks of untreated primary aldosteronism?
It can lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
The Bottom Line
Could an unrecognized hormone issue be affecting your blood pressure?
Additional References
- Mulatero P, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2004; 89:1045.
- Douma S, et al. Lancet 2008; 371:1921.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.