What does hyperaldosteronism cause?
Primary hyperaldosteronism can cause very high blood pressure, which can damage many organs, including the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain. Erection problems and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men) may occur with long-term use of medicines to block the effect of hyperaldosteronism.
What happens when you have too much aldosterone?
In hyperaldosteronism, overproduction of aldosterone leads to fluid retention and increased blood pressure, weakness, and, rarely, periods of paralysis. Hyperaldosteronism can be caused by a tumor in the adrenal gland or may be a response to some diseases.
How do you know if you have hyperaldosteronism?
The signs and symptoms associated with Conn’s Syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism) include low potassium in the blood (causing frequent urination), muscle cramps and heart palpitations (feeling your heart racing). These symptoms include fatigue, anxiety, depression, headache, and memory difficulties.
How serious is hyperaldosteronism?
Without proper treatment, patients with hyperaldosteronism often suffer from poorly controlled high blood pressure and are at increased risk for heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, kidney failure, and early death. However, with appropriate treatment, this disease is treatable and has an excellent prognosis.
Is hyperaldosteronism a disability?
They Qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance! When your adrenal cortex works overtime, it produces an excess of corticosteroids.
Is hyperaldosteronism life threatening?
Primary aldosteronism is important not only because of its high prevalence (very common disease), but also because patients with primary aldosteronism have a very high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is very silent and deadly.
What diseases can cause hyperaldosteronism?
Secondary hyperaldosteronism.
- A tumor that makes renin.
- Heart failure.
- Pregnancy.
- Chronic liver disease.
- Renal artery stenosis or narrowing of kidney arteries.
- Loss of fluids.
- Shock.
What are the long term effects of adrenal insufficiency?
Long-lasting fatigue is a common symptom of adrenal insufficiency. People with Addison’s disease may also have darkening of their skin. This darkening is most visible on scars; skin folds; pressure points such as the elbows, knees, knuckles, and toes; lips; and mucous membranes such as the lining of the cheek.