Posted on 07/23/2025 8:48:37 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Endocrine Society experts encouraged more widespread screening for a common hormonal cause of high blood pressure known as primary aldosteronism in a new Clinical Practice Guideline.
A significant minority of people who are diagnosed with hypertension, or high blood pressure, actually have undiagnosed primary aldosteronism. An estimated 5% to 14% of people with high blood pressure seen in primary care and up to 30% seen in referral centers have primary aldosteronism.
Many individuals with hypertension never receive a blood test for primary aldosteronism. When the condition is not diagnosed and treated, it raises the risk of cardiovascular complications, including stroke, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and renal disease.
"People with primary aldosteronism face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those with primary hypertension," said the guideline's writing group chair, Gail K. Adler, M.D., Ph.D.
"With a low-cost blood test, we could identify more people who have primary aldosteronism and ensure they receive the proper treatment for the condition."
Primary aldosteronism occurs when the adrenal glands—the small glands located on the top of each kidney—produce too much of the hormone aldosterone. This causes aldosterone, which helps balance levels of sodium and potassium, to build up in the body. High blood pressure is typically the only symptom of the condition.
The guideline suggests that everyone who is diagnosed with hypertension have their levels of aldosterone, renin, and potassium checked. The guideline authors opted to suggest universal screening, rather than making a stronger recommendation, because the blood test can return false positives.
The guideline authors suggested patients who are diagnosed with primary aldosteronism should receive treatment specific to the condition. Treatment options include medications and surgery.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
It seems more people have this condition, than anyone ever expected.
This condition, when treated, resolves blood pressure issues for over 77% of patients, I have read.
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