The adrenals are a pair of triangular-shaped glands that sit atop the kidneys. They are in charge of secreting hormones that modulate the body's stress response and fluid and electrolyte balance. One of those hormones is aldosterone. Hyperaldosteronism is a condition in which the adrenals secrete excess aldosterone into the bloodstream. Hyperaldosteronism causes electrolyte imbalances, including abnormalities in the blood sodium level.
The Adrenals and Aldosterone
Aldosterone stimulates the kidney to retain sodium and excrete potassium in the urine. As such, it helps regulate the levels of these important electrolytes in the body. By its action, aldosterone also helps maintain the body's fluid balance and blood pressure. When your blood pressure decreases, the kidneys send hormonal signals to the adrenals, to stimulate the secretion of more aldosterone. Aldosterone in turn stimulates the kidneys to retain more sodium, which causes retention of more fluid and increases the blood pressure.
Causes of Hyperaldosteronism
There are two conditions that cause overproduction of aldosterone: Primary hyperaldosteronism results from abnormal secretion of aldosterone from the adrenals, usually as a result of a tumor of the glands. Secondary hyperaldosteronism usually results from conditions that can mimic primary hyperaldosteronism. Secondary hyperaldosteronism is generally related to high blood pressure, but is also related to other disorders including cirrhosis of the liver and heart failure. Both conditions can cause hypernatremia, or increased sodium levels, and hypokalemia, or low potassium levels.
Symptoms
The symptoms of hyperaldosteronism relate to the electrolyte imbalances it causes. Abnormally high sodium levels can increase the levels of fluid in the body, leading to high blood pressure, or hypertension. The symptoms of hypertension include headaches and blurry vision. Long-standing hypertension can damage the kidneys and the heart. Hypertension is a known risk factor for heart attacks and stroke. Symptoms of hypernatremia, or elevated sodium levels, include increased thirst. Hypernatremia can also lead to brain shrinkage, leading to confusion, irritability, seizures, and even coma with permanent brain damage or death.
Treatment
If the abnormally high aldosterone level is a result of an adrenal tumor, surgery to remove the tumor usually corrects the aldosterone levels. Medications may be necessary to regulate sodium and potassium levels, such as diuretics, which increase the excretion of sodium into the urine. Diuretics and other medicines may also be necessary to control existing hypertension.
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