Primary aldosteronism.
Primary aldosteronism is the most common form of secondary hypertension. Case detection is based on an abnormal plasma aldosterone:plasma renin activity ratio and the diagnosis must be confirmed with an aldosterone suppression test. Subtype differentiation should be performed using adrenal venous sampling. Approximately 50% of patients with primary aldosteronism will have a unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma; laparoscopic adrenalectomy results in cure of hypertension in 60% and improvement in blood pressure control in the remainder.
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-1414, USA. rmc4c@virginia.edu
Robert M
RM
Carey
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*