The Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan > Diseases and Conditions

​Hypoaldosteronism​

Hypoaldosteronism is a type of hormone disorder characterized by the insufficient production or impaired functioning of a hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone balances the sodium and potassium levels in the blood. There are two types of hypoaldosteronism depending on the renin (an enzyme that regulates the body’s aldosterone level) levels. These include:

  • Hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism in which there is decreased production of aldosterone due to decreased production of renin. This disorder is found in people with kidney diseases such as diabetes, interstitial nephritis, or multiple myeloma

  • Hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism in which there is a problem with aldosterone production while the renin is produced normally by the kidneys. This disorder can be caused by severe illness, medications (ACE inhibitors), aldosterone enzyme defects, or lead poisoning

Other causes of hypoaldosteronism include primary adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and certain medications.​

Symptoms for hypoaldosteronism include:

  • Weight loss

  • Low blood pressure

  • Salt craving

  • Palpitation 

  • Dizziness 

  • Lightheadedness

  • Gastrointestinal disturbance​​

For expert advice about your symptoms, visit our doctors at the Internal Medicine Service Line​ at the Aga Khan University Hospital.​​
Your time with your doctor maybe limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​​
Hypoaldosteronism may be suspected in an individual with high blood pressure, who does not respond to medications.

You will be asked to take a blood test to check for levels of renin and aldosterone in the blood.

To confirm the diagnosis, a 'salt challenge test' may be carried out. In this test, you will either be given a salt solution intravenously, or asked to consume a high-sodium diet for a few days. After administering either of the two methods, your aldosterone levels will be checked. In both cases, a normally healthy person’s aldosterone level should fall.  If this does not happen, hyperaldosteronism is confirmed.​
Treatments offered for hypoaldosteronism depends on the underlying cause. You may be advised to follow a low potassium diet with increased sodium intake. You may be prescribed fludrocortisone which has a high degree of mineralocorticoid (corticosteroid hormone) effect and is similar to administering aldosterone.​
The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.
 
The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.
 
The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments' costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.​
Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.​
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The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.