National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Hypoaldosteronism


Hypoaldosteronism is a condition characterized by the shortage (deficiency) or impaired function of a hormone called aldosterone. The symptoms of this condition include low sodium (hyponatremia), too much potassium (hyperkalemia), and a condition where the body produces too much acid (metabolic acidosis). These symptoms may cause muscle weakness, nausea, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and abnormal blood pressure.[1][2]

Hypoaldosteronism may be described as hyporeninemic (low renin level) or hyperreninemic (high renin level) based on the amount of another chemical produced in the kidneys called renin. Hypoaldosteronism can be caused by other health conditions or medications. Individuals with diabetes, kidney disease, primary adrenal insufficiency, lead poisoning, or severe illness can develop hypoaldosteronism. Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, heparin or medications used to treat heart failure can cause hypoaldosteronism. There are rare forms of congenital hypoaldosteronism that can be inherited in families.[1][2][3] 

This condition is diagnosed based on the symptoms and confirmed by various blood tests (plasma renin activity, serum aldosterone, and serum cortisol)[2] The exact incidence of hypoaldosteronism is unknown. This condition is treated depending on the underlying cause for the condition. 
Last updated: 2/4/2019
Treatment for hypoaldosteronism depends on the underlying condition. Affected individuals are often advised to follow a low-potassium diet with liberal sodium intake. People with hypoaldosteronism should typically avoid ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics. Individuals with hypoaldosteronism and a deficiency of adrenal glucocorticoid hormones are usually given fludrocortisone. People with hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism are frequently given furosemide to correct hyperkalemia.[4][5]
Last updated: 2/4/2019

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Hypoaldosteronism. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.

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  1. Knicely, DH, Sabet Amin S. Hypoaldosteronism. Johns Hopkins Diabetes Guide. Updated May 2016; https://www.hopkinsguides.com/hopkins/view/Johns_Hopkins_Diabetes_Guide/547067/all/Hypoaldosteronism.
  2. Young WF. Etiology, diagnosis and treatment of hypoaldosteronism. UpToDate. May 2016; https://www.uptodate.com/contents/etiology-diagnosis-and-treatment-of-hypoaldosteronism-type-4-rta.
  3. Sondheimer J. Hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism. Medscape. Feb. 21, 2018; https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/242494-overview.
  4. Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Phildelphia: Mosby; 2009;
  5. Ferri FF. Practical Guide to the Care of the Medical Patient, 7th ed. Philadelphia: Mosby; 2007;