Hyperaldosteronism

Hyperaldosteronism

Hyperaldosteronism, also aldosteronism, is a medical condition where too much aldosterone is produced by the adrenal glands, which can lead to lowered levels of potassium in the blood.

Types

*: Primary hyperaldosteronism, often caused by an adrenal cortical adenoma (a tumor), is also known as Conn's syndrome.

*: Secondary hyperaldosteronism is due to overactivity of the renin-angiotensin system.

In endocrinology, the terms "primary" and "secondary" are used to describe the abnormality (e.g. elevated aldosterone) in relation to the defect, i.e. the tumor's location. The adjective "primary" refers to an abnormality that directly leads to pathology, i.e. aldosteronism is caused by the apparatus that generates aldosterone. "Secondary" refers to an abnormality that indirectly results in pathology through a predictable physiologic pathway, i.e. a renin producing tumor leads to increased aldosterone, as the body's aldosterone production is normally regulated by renin levels.

ymptoms

It can be asymptomatic, but the following symptoms can be present

* Fatigue
* Headache
* High blood pressure
* Hypokalemia
* Intermittent or temporary paralysis
* Muscle spasms
* Muscle weakness
* Numbness
* Polyuria
* Polydipsia
* Tingling
* Hypernatraemia
* Metabolic alkalosis

ee also

* Hypoaldosteronism

Treatment

Treatment includes Spironolactone,a K+ sparing diuretic that works by acting as an aldosterone antagonist

External links

* [http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec13/ch164/ch164e.html Merck Manual]


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • hyperaldosteronism — /huy peuhr al doh ster euh niz euhm, al dos teuhr euh /, n. Pathol. aldosteronism. [1950 55; HYPER + ALDOSTERONE + ISM] * * * ▪ pathology       increased secretion of the hormone aldosterone by the cells of the zona glomerulosa (the outer zone)… …   Universalium

  • hyperaldosteronism — noun A condition in which too much aldosterone is produced by the adrenal glands, potentially leading to lowered levels of potassium in the blood. Syn: aldosteronism …   Wiktionary

  • Hyperaldosteronism — Overproduction of the hormone aldosterone from the outer portion (cortex) of the adrenal gland or a tumor containing that type of tissue. Excess aldosterone (pronounced al do ster one) results in low potassium levels (hypokalemia), underacidity… …   Medical dictionary

  • hyperaldosteronism — hy·per·aldosteronism …   English syllables

  • hyperaldosteronism — n.; see aldosteronism …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • hyperaldosteronism — noun a condition caused by overproduction of aldosterone • Syn: ↑aldosteronism • Hypernyms: ↑glandular disease, ↑gland disease, ↑glandular disorder, ↑adenosis * * * ˌ noun …   Useful english dictionary

  • aldosteronism — hyperaldosteronism; n. overproduction of aldosterone, one of the hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex, usually due to a benign tumour (adenoma) in the cortex or hyperplasia of that tissue. It leads to abnormalities in the amounts of sodium,… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • Primary aldosteronism — Primary hyperaldosteronism Classification and external resources Aldosterone ICD 10 E …   Wikipedia

  • endocrine system, human — ▪ anatomy Introduction  group of ductless glands (gland) that regulate body processes by secreting chemical substances called hormones (hormone). Hormones act on nearby tissues or are carried in the bloodstream to act on specific target organs… …   Universalium

  • Conn's syndrome — Main article: Primary aldosteronism Conn s syndrome Classification and external resources Aldosterone ICD 10 …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”