overactive adrenal gland high blood pressure

These tests try to lower the amount of aldosterone produced either by giving a medication or giving extra salt through the diet or an intravenous fluid. If these tests are positive, then patients may have another test to confirm the diagnosis. The potassium level may be low or normal. In primary hyperaldosteronism, the aldosterone level will be high while renin will be low or undetectable. To best measure these hormones, blood samples should be drawn in the morning. Primary hyperaldosteronism is diagnosed by measuring the blood levels of aldosterone and renin (a hormone made by the kidney). Hyperaldosteronism leads to an increased risk for heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, kidney failure, and early death. The hypokalemia (low potassium level) can cause symptoms like fatigue, numbness, increased urination, increased thirst, muscle cramps, and muscle weakness. While patients with hyperaldosteronism may have normal potassium levels, many patients may have low potassium levels. The hypertension may cause headaches, blurred vision, and dizziness. The hypertension is usually hard to control and patients are often on 4 or more blood pressure medications. High blood pressure is often the only sign of hyperaldosteronism. There are rare genetic syndromes like familial hyperaldosteronism type I and II which may cause both glands to be hyperactive. Bilateral disease is usually caused by bilateral hyperplasia (when both glands are hyperactive).

Unilateral disease is usually caused by an aldosterone producing adenoma (benign tumor) and less commonly by adrenal cancer or hyperplasia (when the whole gland is hyperactive). Primary hyperaldosteronism can be caused by either hyperactivity in one adrenal gland (unilateral disease) or both (bilateral disease). Hyperaldosteronism is a disease in which the adrenal gland(s) make too much aldosterone which leads to hypertension ( high blood pressure) and low blood potassium levels. The increased salt increases the blood pressure. Aldosterone helps control blood pressure by holding onto salt and losing potassium from the blood.

Overactive adrenal gland high blood pressure