MedlinePlus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that Addison's disease is a disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough of their hormones. The adrenal glands are small organs on top of the kidneys that secrete hormones that maintain blood sugar, suppress the immune system, help the body respond to stress, regulate sodium and potassium, and affect sexual development and sex drive. Thus, damage to the adrenal glands can cause significant symptoms. While some symptoms may be permanent, others disappear as Addison's disease is corrected with steroid medication.
Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure is a common symptom associated with Addison's disease, states MayoClinic.com. Low blood pressure occurs because the injured adrenal glands are not producing hormones that regulate the amount of salt in the bloodstream. Salt in the bloodstream attracts fluid into the blood vessels, which helps to maintain a healthy blood pressure. When salt is deficient, fluid can exit the blood vessels and move to other parts of the body. This can cause a patient to experience dizziness, lightheadedness and faintness. When Addison's disease is treated appropriately, blood pressure will improve and a patient will no longer experience signs of low blood pressure.
Heart Rate
A patient with Addison's disease may notice a change in heart rate due to high amounts of potassium in the bloodstream, or hyperkalemia. Potassium levels are elevated because the hormone that controls potassium levels is deficient. High potassium levels in the bloodstream can cause an irregular heart rate in a patient with Addison's disease. A patient will likely experience regular changes in heart rate and a fast pounding heartbeat and may experience lightheadedness or chest pain. The heart muscle rapidly responds to changes in electrolytes; thus, correction of Addison's disease will cause heart symptoms to improve, states Medline Plus.
Darkness in Skin
MedlinePlus states that Addison's disease can cause skin darkening in some patients. This occurs because the pituitary gland, which is a gland in the brain that control hormones, releases a hormone to increase the production and release of cortisol, an adrenal gland hormone. Because the adrenal glands are damaged, the pituitary gland continues to release increasing amounts of the hormone to stimulate the adrenal glands. A side effect of this particular pituitary gland hormone is an increase in skin pigmentation, reports Merck.com. In more severe cases of Addison's disease, skin pigmentation may be extensive and permanent. In mild cases, however, skin pigmentation may resolve.
