Could Primary Aldosteronism Be the Hidden Cause of Your Hypertension?
Published: Feb 07, 2024
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a condition where the body produces too much aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure.
Many cases go unnoticed because typical symptoms like low potassium are not always present.
Studies suggest it affects up to 10% of people with high blood pressure.
It can lead to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Key Takeaways
Could an unrecognized hormone issue be affecting your blood pressure?
Get started by talking to Doctronic about primary aldosteronism today.Related Articles
- How Simple Tests Can Uncover Hidden Causes of Hypertension
- Preventing Heart Risks: The Importance of Early Detection in Primary Aldosteronism
- Navigating the Diagnosis: Procedures to Confirm Primary Aldosteronism
- Navigating Medical Guidelines: Understanding the Protocols for Diagnosing Primary Aldosteronism
References
Mulatero P, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2004; 89:1045.
Douma S, et al. Lancet 2008; 371:1921.
Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.