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

Primary hyperaldosteronism

Not a rare disease Not a rare disease
Other Names:
Primary aldosteronism; Conn syndrome; Mineralocorticoid excess
Categories:
Subtypes:
Primary hyperaldosteronism is a disorder caused by excess production of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands. The main symptom of primary hyperaldosteronism is high blood pressure (hypertension), but other symptoms may include headaches, weakness, swelling (edema), and muscle spasms (tetany). The cause of primary hyperaldosteronism can vary. One cause may be an adenoma, or benign tumor, on the adrenal glands, which causes them to produce too much aldosterone. If primary hyperaldosteronism is caused by an adenoma, it is known as Conn’s syndrome. The condition may also be caused by enlarged adrenal glands without adenomas (adrenal hyperplasia). 

In some cases, primary hyperaldosteronism is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, but in most cases the exact cause of the disease is unknown (idiopathic). A diagnosis is made by testing the blood for high levels of aldosterone. Treatment for Conn’s syndrome includes surgical removal of the adenomas. Medication is used to treat primary hyperaldosteronism if it is caused by adrenal hyperplasia.[1][2]

Last updated: 7/26/2016

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 Primary hyperaldosteronism. 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.

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Organizations Supporting this Disease

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.

Where to Start

  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
  • The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition for patients and caregivers. 

In-Depth Information

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  1. Gabriel I Uwaifo, MD. Primary Aldosteronism. Medscape; June 30, 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/127080.
  2. Ashley B. Grossman, MD, FRCP. Hyperaldosteronism. Merck Manual; May 2016; http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/adrenal-gland-disorders/hyperaldosteronism.