Do I Have Primary Aldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome)?

Do you have moderate to severe high blood pressure?

Do you have high blood pressure that requires three or more medications to be managed?

Have you been diagnosed with the hypertension before age of 30?

As far as you know, do you have low potassium levels?

Do you have headaches?

Do you have blurred vision?

Do you have dizziness?

Do you have muscle cramps?

Do you feel numbness (a loss of sensation or feeling in a part of your body)?

Do you feel weakness, or tingling in your muscles?

Do you feel extremely tired and fatigue?

Do you have an excessive thirst?

Do you have a frequent need to urinate?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a primary aldosteronism. Primary aldosteronism is a hormonal disorder caused by overproduction of a hormone called aldosterone. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands, which are two small glands located on top of each of your kidneys. The hormone aldosterone regulates the level of sodium and potassium in your blood. The overproduction of this hormone results in loss of potassium and retention of sodium, which can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are at risk of heart disease and stroke.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a primary aldosteronism. Primary aldosteronism, hyperaldosteronism or Conn’s syndrome is a medical condition in which your adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone called aldosterone. This hormone is responsible for the balance of potassium and sodium in your body. Excessive amounts of aldosterone lead to high blood pressure and low potassium levels. This condition can be caused by hyperactivity of one or both adrenal glands. Diagnosis is based on tests that measure the levels of aldosterone and rennin in your blood. Additional tests include salt-loading test, abdominal CT scan and adrenal vein blood test.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a primary aldosteronism. Primary aldosteronism is a medical condition characterized by excessive production of the hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone helps regulate blood pressure by retaining sodium and losing potassium from the blood. An increased amount of aldosterone causes a high amount of sodium in your blood, which leads to hypertension. In most cases, primary aldosteronism is caused by benign growth in one or both adrenal glands. The goal of treatment is to bring aldosterone levels back to normal and prevent possible complications. Treatment includes medications, surgery and life style changes.