hyperaldosteronism Flashcards
what effect does aldosterone have?
- increases sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule
- increases potassium secretion in the distal tubule
- increases hydrogen secretion in the collecting ducts
what is another name for primary aldosteronism?
Conn’s syndrome
what is Conns syndrome?
-a disease where the adrenal glands are directly responsible for producing too much aldosterone
what are some causes for Conn’s syndrome?
- adrenal adenoma (aldosterone secreting tumour)
- bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
- familial hyperaldosteronism
- adrenal carcinoma
what would the aldosterone, renin and BP be like in someone with Conn’s?
- aldosterone increases
- BP increased
- renin decreased
what is secondary hyperaldosteronism?
-when excessive renin production from kidneys causes increased aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands
what are some causes of secondary hyperaldosteronism?
- renal stenosis (atherosclerosis)
- renal obstruction
what would to aldosterone, renin and BP be like in someone with secondary hyperaldosteronism?
- aldosterone increased
- renin increased
- BP high in rest of body but low in kidneys
what are signs of hyperaldosteronism?
- hypokalaemia
- high BP
- alkalosis
what are investigations for hyperaldosteronism?
- check the renin: aldosterone ratio to find out if its primary of secondary hyperaldoteronism (primary renin is decreased and aldosterone is increased, secondary they are both increased)
- BP (hypertension)
- Bloods (hypokalaemia)
- ABGs (alkalosis)
- CT/MRI to rule out tumour on adrenal glands
- Renal doppler USS/CT to rule out renal stenosis or obstruction
what is the treatment for primary hyperaldosteronism?
Aldosterone antagonists:
- spironolactone
- eplerinone
Surgery
how may hyperaldosteronism present?
High blood pressure symptoms:
- headaches
- diziness
- vision problems
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
Hypokalaemia symptoms:
- fatigue
- muscle pain
- increased thirst and urination
- muscle weakness
- palpitations
