Primary hyperaldosteronism

Increased minerelocorticoid secretion from the adrenal cortex

Adrenal glands producing too much aldosterone, renin will be low as it is suppressed by the high BP

Causes:

• Primary hyperaldosteronism was previously thought to be most commonly caused by an adrenal adenoma, termed Conn's syndrome. However, recent studies have shown that bilateral idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia is the cause in up to 70% of cases. Differentiating between the two is important as this determines treatment. Adrenal carcinoma is an extremely rare cause of primary hyperaldosteronism.
• Others:
  • Familial hyperaldosteronism type 1 and type 2 (rare)
  • Adrenal carcinoma (rare)

Secondary hyperaldosteronism

Excessive renin is stimulating the adrenal glands to produce more aldosterone

Causes of high renin (occur when the BP in the kidneys is disproportionately lower then the BP in the rest of the body):

• Renal artery stenosis - usually found in patients with atherosclerosis
• Renal artery obstruction
• nephrotic syndrome
• Heart failure
• liver cirrhosis

PC

*Often asymptomatic

Less common Sx:

• nocturia