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Primary aldosteronism identified as cause for resistant hypertension
Patients who take three to four types of blood pressure medications daily without seeing improvement in their readings may be suffering from undiagnosed primary aldosteronism. According to Dr. Nguyen Quang Bay, Director of the Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism at Bach Mai Hospital, this condition occurs when the adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of the hormone aldosterone.
Aldosterone regulates salt, water, and potassium levels in the body. An excess of this hormone causes the kidneys to retain salt and water while increasing potassium excretion through urine. This process leads to high blood pressure and potentially low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Symptoms of low potassium include fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, and difficulty climbing stairs. In severe cases, it can cause heart rhythm disorders.
Causes of primary aldosteronism include a benign tumor in one adrenal gland or hyperplasia in both. If the condition is localized to one gland, laparoscopic surgery to remove the tumor or gland may be an option. Approximately half of these patients see significant blood pressure improvement and may no longer require medication after surgery. For those with bilateral involvement or who are not candidates for surgery, doctors may prescribe mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists to limit the effects of aldosterone.
Entities
Bạch Mai Hospital · Center for Endocrinology and Metabolism · Nguyen Quang Bay
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Blood pressure above 160/100 mmHg is a sign that warrants checking for primary aldosteronism. tuoitre.vn
- [● 2 SOURCES] Laparoscopic surgery can be used to treat aldosterone production originating from one gland. cafebiz.vn · kenh14.vn
- [● 2 SOURCES] Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are used for patients with bilateral adrenal damage. cafebiz.vn · kenh14.vn
- [● 3 SOURCES] Excess aldosterone causes the kidneys to retain salt and water while excreting potassium. cafebiz.vn · kenh14.vn · tuoitre.vn
- [● 2 SOURCES] About half of patients see significant blood pressure improvement after surgery. cafebiz.vn · kenh14.vn
- [● 3 SOURCES] Low potassium levels can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue. cafebiz.vn · kenh14.vn · tuoitre.vn
- [● 3 SOURCES] Primary aldosteronism can be caused by a benign tumor in one adrenal gland. cafebiz.vn · kenh14.vn · tuoitre.vn
- [● 3 SOURCES] Primary aldosteronism causes the adrenal glands to produce excessive aldosterone. cafebiz.vn · kenh14.vn · tuoitre.vn