Hyperaldosteronism can be caused by a tumor usually a noncancerous adenoma in the adrenal gland a condition called Conn syndrome or primary hyperaldosteronism , although sometimes both glands are involved and are overactive. Sometimes hyperaldosteronism is a response to something else a condition called secondary hyperaldosteronism , for example, certain diseases, such as narrowing of one of the arteries to the kidneys.
Eating large amounts of real licorice can cause all the symptoms of hyperaldosteronism. Real licorice contains a chemical that can act as though there is too much aldosterone. However, most candy sold as "licorice" contains little or no real licorice. Doctors suspect hyperaldosteronism in people with high blood pressure who are found to have low potassium levels.
Low potassium levels Hypokalemia Low Level of Potassium in the Blood In hypokalemia, the level of potassium in blood is too low. A low potassium level has many causes but usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, adrenal gland disorders, or use of diuretics. Some people become extremely thirsty and urinate frequently.
However, doctors are increasingly diagnosing this condition in patients with high blood pressure and normal levels of blood potassium. Doctors who suspect hyperaldosteronism test the levels of sodium and potassium in the blood to see if the potassium level is low. However, sometimes people with hyperaldosteronism have a normal potassium level. The sodium level may be mildly increased. Doctors also measure renin and aldosterone levels.
If the aldosterone level is high, spironolactone or eplerenone , drugs that block the action of aldosterone, may be given to see if the levels of sodium and potassium return to normal. Doctors also measure the levels of renin. In Conn syndrome, the levels of renin are also very low, but in secondary hyperaldosteronism, the levels of renin are high.
When too much aldosterone is being produced but renin levels are very low, doctors examine the adrenal glands for a noncancerous tumor adenoma. Computed tomography CT or magnetic resonance imaging MRI can be helpful, but sometimes blood samples from each of the adrenal glands must be tested to determine the source of the hormone. If a tumor is found, it can usually be surgically removed. If no tumor is found and both glands are overactive, partial removal of the adrenal glands may not control high blood pressure, and complete removal will cause Addison disease Addison Disease In Addison disease, the adrenal glands are underactive, resulting in a deficiency of adrenal hormones.
Addison disease may be caused by an autoimmune reaction, cancer, an infection, or some Accessed Sept. Ferri FF. Aldosteronism hyperaldosteronism, primary. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Feehally J, et al. Endocrine causes of hypertension — Aldosteronism. In: Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology.
Funder JW, et al. The management of primary aldosteronism: Case detection, diagnosis, and treatment: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. Lee FT, et al. Evaluation and management of primary hyperaldosteronism. Surgical Clinics of North America.
Hundemer G. Primary aldosteronism: Cardiovascular outcomes pre- and post-treatment. Current Cardiology Reports. Monticone S, et al. In Addison's disease, there is a general loss of adrenal function resulting in low blood pressure, lethargy and an increase in potassium levels in the blood see the article on Addison's disease for further information.
About Contact Events News. Search Search. You and Your Hormones. Students Teachers Patients Browse. Human body. Home Hormones Aldosterone. Aldosterone Aldosterone is a steroid hormone. Its main role is to regulate salt and water in the body, thus having an effect on blood pressure. What is aldosterone?
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