ALDOSTERONISM, PRIMARY & TREATMENT

Aldosteronism, primary definition: Primary aldosteronism is a medical condition, where the adrenal glands of the body produce too much of the aldosterone hormone, which causes the body lose potassium & retain sodium. In general, sodium & potassium work together to aid in maintaining the right balance of fluids in the human body, help in transmitting nerve impulses, as well as contract & relax the muscles. However, the excess in aldosterone results to sodium retention, retaining excess water & the increase of blood pressure & blood volume.

In the case of primary aldosteroinism, high blood pressure does not respond completely to medication & this is the most common symptom of the disease. Other signs include headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps & weakness, temporary paralysis, excessive thirsts, excessive urination, tingling & pricking sensation & numbness.

Treatment approaches for the primary aldosteronism would greatly depend on the underlying cause. This may include a combination of certain medications & lifestyle changes that include healthier diet & regular exercise to help regulate the blood pressure.

Though the adrenal glands each only have about half the size of the human thumb, it basically dictates a number of functions of the body. This include regulating the metabolism, blood pressure, the immune system, among a number of other essential functions. The most common cause of this medical condition is a benign growth in the adrenal gland or what is known as aldosteronoma, or Conn's syndrome. Other underlying causes may include highly rare genetic mutations, overactivity of the glands & cancerous growths in the cortex of the adrenal glands.

The primary basis for the diagnosis of this condition is the high blood pressure & the very low levels of potassium that does no respond to medications. Several tests are conducted to confirm the diagnosis, including oral salt loading, saline loading & Fludrocortisone suppression test.