The Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan > Diseases and Conditions

​Hyperaldosteronism​

Hyperaldosteronism is a type of hormone disorder in which the adrenal glands produce excessive aldosterone increasing its level in the blood. Aldosterone balances the sodium and potassium in the blood. Hyperaldosteronism causes the adrenal glands to produce an increased amount of aldosterone, which leads to sodium retention. This leads to high blood pressure. There are two types of hyperaldosteronism:

  • Primary hyperaldosteronism occurs due to a problem with the adrenal gland causing them to produce increased amounts of aldosterone. These problems include a benign growth in an adrenal gland which produces aldosterone (Conn’s syndrome) and over activity of both adrenal glands (idiopathic hyperaldosteronism).  

  • Secondary hyperaldosteronism occurs due to a problem elsewhere in the body that prompts the adrenal glands to produce increased amounts of aldosterone. Example of such a scenario is the presence of a renin-producing tumour which leads to increased aldosterone levels, since renin regulates the body’s aldosterone levels. Other causes can be genetic disorder, dietary habits or another medical disorder.​​

Symptoms for hyperaldosteronism include:

Ideally, you should have your blood pressure regularly checked especially if:

  • You are in your forties

  • You have a family history of high blood pressure

  • You do not exercise regularly or at all

  • You smoke

  • You are overweight

  • You have unhealthy eating habits (too much salt intake)

  • You consume too much alcohol

Visit a doctor at the Internal Medicin​e Service Line​ at the Aga Khan University Hospital, for expert diagnosis to determine the underlying cause of high blood pressure.​​​

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.​​

Your doctor may begin the diagnosis with an evaluation of your medical history and discussion about your symptoms. Following this you may be asked to get the following tests conducted:

  • Blood test to determine the levels of certain hormones and chemicals in your blood stream, including:​

    • ​Aldosterone

    • Renin

    • Potassium

  • Urine test in which you will be asked to collect your urine for the length of one day to measure the amount of aldosterone removed in the urine in a day

  • Abdominal computerized tomography (CT) scan in which a series of detailed cross-sectional images, of the abdomen, are taken by a computer using X-rays​

The goal of your treatment is to either normalize the aldosterone levels or block its effects. Your treatment options will be based on the underlying cause of hyperaldosteronism. Generally, the treatments available include:

  • Surgery to remove the adrenal gland (adrenalectomy) in case of the presence of an aldosterone secreting tumour on the gland 

  • Aldosterone-blocking drug that blocks the action of the aldosterone. Medications are preferable if you want to avoid or cannot undergo surgery

  • Lifestyle changes. Medications are only effective if you change your lifestyle as well. You should increase the intake of a healthy well-balanced diet and exercise regularly ​​

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.