Question 1

What is Primary Aldosteronism (Conn's Syndrome)?

Accepted Answer

Primary aldosteronism, also known as Conn's syndrome, is a hormonal disorder where the adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of aldosterone hormone. It is caused by benign tumors or hyperplasia of the adrenal glands that trigger uncontrolled aldosterone secretion, leading to sodium retention and potassium loss. The Aldosterone/Plasma Renin Activity Ratio test is the most important test for diagnosing this condition.

Question 2

What causes primary aldosteronism?

Accepted Answer

Primary aldosteronism is caused by benign tumors called aldosterone-producing adenomas or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia where both adrenal glands become overactive. These growths trigger the adrenal glands to produce excessive amounts of aldosterone hormone, which normally regulates sodium and potassium balance in your body. The excess aldosterone causes your kidneys to retain too much sodium and excrete too much potassium, leading to high blood pressure that is often resistant to standard treatment and dangerously low potassium levels that can cause muscle weakness and heart rhythm problems.

Question 3

What is the best test for primary aldosteronism?

Accepted Answer

The Aldosterone/Plasma Renin Activity Ratio test is the most important test for primary aldosteronism because it detects the characteristic hormonal imbalance of this condition. In primary aldosteronism, your aldosterone levels are abnormally high while your renin levels are suppressed, creating an elevated ratio that strongly suggests the diagnosis. This single blood test measures both hormones simultaneously using advanced LC/MS/MS technology for precise results. An elevated ratio typically indicates that your adrenal glands are producing excess aldosterone independently of the normal regulatory mechanisms, confirming the diagnosis and prompting further evaluation to determine whether you have an adrenal tumor or hyperplasia.

Question 4

When should I get tested for primary aldosteronism?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have high blood pressure that requires three or more medications to control, or if your blood pressure remains elevated despite treatment. Testing is especially important if you develop unexplained low potassium levels, experience muscle weakness or cramps, have excessive urination or thirst, or have been diagnosed with hypertension at a young age (under 40). You should also consider testing if you have a family history of early-onset hypertension or stroke, as early detection of primary aldosteronism can prevent serious cardiovascular complications and help your doctor choose the most effective treatment approach.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of primary aldosteronism?

Accepted Answer

Primary aldosteronism often causes high blood pressure that is difficult to control with standard medications, which is frequently the first noticeable symptom. Many people experience muscle weakness, cramps, or spasms due to low potassium levels, along with fatigue that interferes with daily activities. You might notice increased thirst, frequent urination especially at night, headaches, or tingling sensations in your extremities. Some people have no obvious symptoms beyond resistant hypertension, which is why the condition often goes undiagnosed until blood work reveals the hormonal imbalance or low potassium levels.

Question 6

Who is at risk for primary aldosteronism?

Accepted Answer

People with resistant high blood pressure that requires multiple medications are at highest risk for primary aldosteronism, with studies suggesting 10-20% of these patients have the condition. The disorder most commonly affects adults between ages 30 and 50, though it can occur at any age. You are at increased risk if you have unexplained low potassium levels, a family history of early-onset hypertension or primary aldosteronism, an adrenal mass discovered on imaging, or if you developed high blood pressure at a young age. While primary aldosteronism was once considered rare, it is now recognized as one of the most common causes of secondary hypertension.

Question 7

What happens if primary aldosteronism is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated primary aldosteronism causes significantly more cardiovascular damage than regular high blood pressure, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, and stroke. The excess aldosterone directly damages your heart and blood vessels beyond what elevated blood pressure alone would cause, accelerating the development of atherosclerosis and left ventricular hypertrophy. Chronic low potassium levels can cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances and severe muscle weakness. You may also develop kidney damage, vision problems from hypertensive retinopathy, and metabolic problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can reverse many of these complications and dramatically reduce your cardiovascular risk.

Question 8

Can primary aldosteronism be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, primary aldosteronism can be diagnosed with a blood test that measures your aldosterone and renin levels together. The Aldosterone/Plasma Renin Activity Ratio test is the standard screening tool that detects the characteristic hormonal pattern of this condition. If your initial screening shows an elevated ratio, your doctor may recommend confirmatory testing with salt loading studies or additional blood work to definitively establish the diagnosis. Imaging studies like CT scans or MRI may then be used to determine whether you have an adrenal tumor or bilateral hyperplasia, which helps guide treatment decisions between surgery and medication.

Question 9

How is primary aldosteronism treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for primary aldosteronism depends on whether you have a single adrenal tumor or bilateral hyperplasia affecting both glands. If you have an aldosterone-producing adenoma in one adrenal gland, surgical removal through laparoscopic adrenalectomy can cure the condition and often resolves high blood pressure completely. For bilateral hyperplasia or when surgery is not appropriate, treatment involves mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist medications like spironolactone or eplerenone that block aldosterone's effects on your body. These medications effectively control blood pressure and restore normal potassium levels. Your doctor will also recommend a low-sodium diet and potassium supplementation if needed, with regular monitoring to adjust treatment and prevent complications.

Question 10

How can I prevent primary aldosteronism?

Accepted Answer

Primary aldosteronism cannot be prevented because it results from benign tumors or abnormal growth of adrenal tissue that occur spontaneously. However, you can prevent serious complications by maintaining regular blood pressure checks and seeking medical evaluation for resistant hypertension or unexplained symptoms. If you have risk factors like a family history of early-onset hypertension, ask your doctor about screening with aldosterone and renin testing. Early detection allows for prompt treatment that can prevent cardiovascular damage, making regular health monitoring your best strategy for minimizing the impact of this condition.

Question 11

What can I do at home for primary aldosteronism?

Accepted Answer

While primary aldosteronism requires medical treatment, you can support your health at home by following a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and help control blood pressure. Include potassium-rich foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach, and avocados to help maintain healthy potassium levels, but consult your doctor before taking potassium supplements as too much can be dangerous. Regular exercise, stress management, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol can improve blood pressure control. Monitor your blood pressure at home and track your symptoms so you can report changes to your healthcare provider. Take prescribed medications consistently and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure your treatment is working effectively.

Question 12

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Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

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Accepted Answer

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Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Accepted Answer

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Primary Aldosteronism Blood Test

What is Primary Aldosteronism (Conn's Syndrome)?

What causes primary aldosteronism?

What is the best test for primary aldosteronism?

When should I get tested for primary aldosteronism?

References

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