Issues in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Aldosteronism

High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev. 2016 Jun;23(2):73-82. doi: 10.1007/s40292-015-0084-5. Epub 2015 Apr 9.

Abstract

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is associated with a high rate of cardio- and cerebrovascular complications and metabolic alterations. PA is also recognized as the most frequent, although often unrecognized, secondary form of hypertension. Guidelines have been released to assist clinicians in the diagnostic work-up and subtype differentiation of PA. In this review we discuss and compare the available guidelines in the context of our professional experience and evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic aspects that are still a matter of debate.

Keywords: Adrenal vein sampling; Aldosterone-producing adenoma; Primary aldosteronism; Secondary hypertension.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aldosterone / blood
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Critical Pathways
  • Humans
  • Hyperaldosteronism / blood
  • Hyperaldosteronism / diagnosis*
  • Hyperaldosteronism / epidemiology
  • Hyperaldosteronism / therapy*
  • Hypertension / epidemiology
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Renin-Angiotensin System*
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Aldosterone