There are several causes of a magnesium deficiency. The hormonal cause for the electrolyte imbalance, hyperaldosteronism, involves your adrenal glands. Low magnesium, or hypomagnesemia, becomes dangerous without intervention. Therefore, if you have hyperaldosteronism, it is important to understand its signs and symptoms, as well as the signs of hypomagnesemia, so that you seek appropriate medical treatment when necessary.
Hyperaldosteronism
Hyperaldosteronism is a condition in which your adrenal glands release too much of the hormone aldosterone. This causes an imbalance of the hormone and resulting symptoms. There are primary and secondary causes of hyperaldosteronism. Primary hyperaldosteronism is a problem of your adrenal glands themselves. The most common primary cause of the hormonal imbalance is a tumor -- usually noncancerous -- of one or more of your adrenals. Hypertension, liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome and heart failure are all secondary causes of the disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperaldosteronism
Symptoms of hyperaldosteronism include fatigue and muscle weakness. You may also experience headache, high blood pressure and numbness. Intermittent paralysis is also a symptom of the disorder. Hyperaldosteronism also causes serum imbalances of carbon dioxide and sodium, and urine imbalances of potassium and sodium. Serum magnesium becomes imbalanced, as well. If you have these symptoms and your doctor suspects hyperaldosteronism, expect him to order additional testing, such as an abdominal CT scan, an electrocardiogram, plasma renin activity and a plasma aldosterone level.
Hypomagnesemia
When your blood magnesium level falls too low, you have hypomagnesemia. Your magnesium level should be between 1.5 mEq/L and 2.5 mEq/L. A level below 1.5 mEq/L may produce symptoms, and untreated hypomagnesemia is serious and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms of hypomagnesemia include numbness and fatigue. There are also muscle symptoms of the electrolyte imbalance, such as cramping and weakness. If it progresses, a low magnesium level causes abnormal eye movements, a condition called nystagmus. Convulsions are also a complication of late hypomagnesemia.
Treatment
Treatment of hyperaldosteronism focuses on its cause. In cases of primary hyperaldosteronism, removal of the benign tumor or tumors from the adrenal gland generally helps to control symptoms and resolve the secondary magnesium deficiency. If surgery is not imperative, you may be able to control your symptoms with certain medications, such as diuretics and those that block the action of aldosterone. The same medications may be used to treat secondary hyperaldosteronism. Your doctor may also prescribe some dietary modifications, as well.
