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Complications include cardiovascular disease such as stroke, myocardial infarction, kidney failure and abnormal heart rhythms. [3] [4] Primary hyperaldosteronism has a number of causes. About 33% of cases are due to an adrenal adenoma that produces aldosterone, and 66% of cases are due to an enlargement of both adrenal glands. [1]
Secondary hyperaldosteronism (also hyperreninism, or hyperreninemic hyperaldosteronism) is due to overactivity of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS).. The causes of secondary hyperaldosteronism are accessory renal veins, fibromuscular dysplasia, reninoma, renal tubular acidosis, nutcracker syndrome, ectopic tumors, massive ascites, left ventricular failure, and cor pulmonale.
Aldosterone causes the tubules of the kidneys to retain sodium and water. This increases the volume of fluid in the body and drives up blood pressure. [citation needed] Steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol within the adrenal cortex. Aldosterone and corticosterone share the first part of their biosynthetic pathway.
This is what causes the hypokalemia, hypertension, and hypernatremia associated with the syndrome. Patients often present with severe hypertension and end-organ changes associated with it like left ventricular hypertrophy, retinal, renal and neurological vascular changes along with growth retardation and failure to thrive.
Hyperaldosteronism is caused by the adrenal gland's overproduction of the hormone aldosterone. The excess production of the adrenal gland, specifically the zona glomerulosa, is the cause of primary hyperaldosteronism. Excessive renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation results in secondary hyperaldosteronism. [29]
Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium (K +) in the blood serum. [1] Mild low potassium does not typically cause symptoms. [3] Symptoms may include feeling tired, leg cramps, weakness, and constipation. [1] Low potassium also increases the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm, which is often too slow and can cause cardiac arrest. [1] [3]
Secondary hyperaldosteronism, on the other hand, is due to overactivity of the renin–angiotensin system. Conn's syndrome is primary hyperaldosteronism caused by an aldosterone-producing adenoma. Depending on cause and other factors, hyperaldosteronism can be treated by surgery and/or medically, such as by aldosterone antagonists.
[3] [4] Typically hyperkalemia does not cause symptoms. [1] Occasionally when severe it can cause palpitations, muscle pain, muscle weakness, or numbness. [1] [2] Hyperkalemia can cause an abnormal heart rhythm which can result in cardiac arrest and death. [1] [3] Common causes of hyperkalemia include kidney failure, hypoaldosteronism, and ...