Pseudohyperaldosteronism, liquorice, and hypertension.
Consumption of large quantities of liquorice can cause hypokalemia and hypertension. These effects are associated with increased cortisol-mediated activation of renal mineralocorticoid receptors and hypoaldosteronism. The authors describe a patient with long-standing hypokalemia and uncontrolled hypertension related to excessive ingestion of liquorice. The case highlights the importance of obtaining a detailed dietary history, especially considering the increasing use of liquorice-containing foods, teas, and herbal products. The authors also discuss secondary causes of hypertension, focusing on pseudohyperaldosteronism.
Sontia
Bruno
B
Hypertension Clinic, Division of Nephrology, Kidney Research Centre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa Health Research Institute, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Mooney
Jan
J
Gaudet
Lise
L
Touyz
Rhian M
RM
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004487:Edema; D005260:Female; D006035:Glycyrrhiza / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008875:Middle Aged; D008901:Mineralocorticoids / Q000378:metabolism; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood
D008901:Mineralocorticoids; D011188:Potassium