Cor Vasa 2011, 53(8-9):444-448 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2011.112

Primary hyperaldosteronism - the common and curable form of endocrine hypertension

Ondřej Petrák

Centrum pro výzkum, diagnostiku a léčbu arteriální hypertenze, III. interní klinika, Všeobecná fakultní nemocnice a 1. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy, Praha, Česká republika

Primary aldosteronism is one of the most common forms of endocrine hypertension which is caused by autonomous aldosterone overproduction. Aldosterone producing adenoma (Conn's syndrome) and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (idiopathic aldosteronism) are the most frequent subtypes of primary aldosteronism. The highest prevalence of primary aldosteronism can be awaited in patients with moderate to severe arterial hypertension. Early recognition of the disease is important, as this condition may predispose to the increased mortality from cardiovascular disease, and is often reversible with target therapy. It is necessary to consider this diagnose and in case of any suspicion to send patients to a diagnostic centre. The aim of this review is to present the up-to-date information concerning the prevalence, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism.

Keywords: Endocrine hypertension; Primary aldosteronism; Aldosterone

Published: August 1, 2011  Show citation