Khaberni -New guidelines recommend screening for primary aldosteronism, warning that doctors often overlook this common cause of high blood pressure associated with the adrenal gland.
Elevated aldosterone levels lead to decreased potassium levels and increased sodium levels, causing high blood pressure.
Primary Aldosteronism
The new study warned that up to 30% of high blood pressure patients who visit cardiologists, and 14% of those who visit primary healthcare centers, suffer from a condition called primary aldosteronism.
Despite this, many do not undergo blood tests to detect this condition, as the adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of aldosterone.
According to "Health Day", others undergo the test years after their initial diagnosis of high blood pressure.
The research team from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and Johns Hopkins University added, "This condition can cause serious health complications by that time."
Dr. Gayle Adler, the lead researcher in the study, said: "Those with primary aldosteronism are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those with primary hypertension."
Primary Aldosteronism Treatment
She added: "Thanks to a low-cost blood test, we can identify more people with primary aldosteronism and ensure they get the appropriate treatment for this condition."
The researchers explained that aldosterone helps balance the levels of sodium and potassium in the blood. Very high levels can lead to potassium loss and the retention of more sodium, resulting in high blood pressure.
Heart Complications
Research has shown that those with primary aldosteronism are about 2.6 times more likely to suffer from stroke, about twice as likely to suffer from heart failure, about 3.5 times more likely to suffer from arrhythmias, and about 77% more likely to suffer from heart disease.
The guidelines in the new research paper recommend screening for aldosterone levels in everyone diagnosed with high blood pressure, and providing special treatment for those suffering from primary aldosteronism.
Medication and Surgery
Prescription medications are available to treat primary aldosteronism. These medications include spironolactone and eplerenone, both of which lower blood pressure and enhance potassium levels.
The researchers noted that doctors may also recommend surgery to remove one of the adrenal glands if only one is producing excess aldosterone.
