Hyperaldosteronism results when one's adrenal glands create elevated levels of the hormone aldosterone. Causes of hyperaldosteronism include a benign tumor in an adrenal gland (Conn's syndrome) or enlarged adrenal glands. Elevated levels of...
The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and secrete a variety of hormones. Masses within the adrenal glands will often not cause any symptoms if they do not cause any changes in hormonal secretion. Masses that secrete hormones, on the...
According to the National Cancer Institute, a division of the governmental agency---National Institutes of Health (NIH)---bloating is commonly associated with or caused by intestinal gas, and described by people as a feeling of abdominal fullness....
The adrenal glands are important for hormone production. Like all hormone-producing organs, the adrenal glands are carefully regulated by chemical signals produced by the pituitary and kidneys. As a result, any perturbation to this system can...
Electrolytes are electrically charged molecules that serve various functions in the body. Some common electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium and calcium, play important roles in nerve conduction, muscle contraction and heart rhythm. Electrolyte...
Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts, while the pressure that remains during cardiac relaxation is known as diastolic. Isolated systolic hypertension has been defined as a systolic blood pressure above 140...
The body needs potassium for normal tissue, organ, cell, muscular and even digestive function. It is found in much of the food you eat, primarily meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, certain types of fish and legumes. While it is important...
Potassium controls muscle contractions, helps regulate the acid-base balance of the body, builds muscle, regulates the transmission of nerve impulses and assists with protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Potassium deficiency, also known...
Potassium is an electrolyte, as are sodium and calcium. Maintaining potassium balance is essential for the normal function of many tissues, including your nerves, muscles and heart. Low dietary intakes of potassium do not cause low blood...
Potassium is a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of your heart, kidneys, lungs, muscles, nerves and digestive system. During pregnancy, it is important that you consume adequate amounts of potassium to ensure the normal function...
If you have high blood pressure, you know that you need to limit your intake of sodium to help improve your numbers. But you may not know that you need to avoid certain foods when taking medications to control your blood pressure. Consult your...
Potassium is an important nutrient, but if your body is not working properly, a little potassium can easily become too much of a good thing. The leading cause of death among kidney patients is cardiovascular disease. While some of this can be...
Potassium is the most abundant cation, or positively charged ion, found inside human cells. Potassium is necessary for the proper functioning of skeletal muscles, kidneys and the heart. The effect of low blood potassium on the heart muscle can...
Aldosteronism is the condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone targets the collecting ducts in the kidneys and increases sodium and water reabsorption and the secretion of potassium. Renin, an...
The adrenal gland is an endocrine organ that sits on top of the kidney and it produces hormones that have widespread effects on the regulation and response of the body. The adrenal gland is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is...
Addison's disease, also known as chronic adrenal insufficiency, is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. These hormones include cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone and some steroids. Aldosterone, cortisol and...
Potassium is an essential macromineral in human nutrition. This means your body contains fairly large amounts of potassium, and you must obtain relatively generous amounts in your diet on a regular basis. Potassium serves as the primary positively...
The adrenal glands are made up of two different parts: the medulla (inner portion) and the cortex (outer portion). The adrenal medulla is responsible for making the two catecholamine hormones, which are epinephrine and norepinephrine. These two...
The thyroid gland -- located in the neck -- produces thyroid hormones, which help in maintaining a normal metabolic rate, facilitating protein synthesis, regulation of bone growth and control of brain cell maturation. Hypothyroidism is defined as...
The paired adrenal glands secrete several hormones that help regulate diverse actions in several body systems. The outer region of the gland, known as the adrenal cortex, produces aldosterone, cortisol and androgens, or male sex hormones. The...
