hyperaldosteronism causes, symptoms and prevention

In hyperaldosteronism, overproduction of the aldosterone cause fluid retention and increased blood pressure, weakness, and, rarely occur in the period of paralysis.

* Hyperaldosteronism can be caused by tumors in the adrenal glands or the possibility of a reaction against some diseases.
* High levels of aldosterone can cause high blood pressure and low potassium levels; low potassium levels can cause weakness, tingling, muscle spasms, and periods of temporary paralysis.
Doctors measure the levels of the sodium, potassium, and aldosterone in the blood.
* Occasionally, the tumor is removed, or people using drugs that inhibit the action of aldosterone.


CAUSE
Aldosterone, a hormone produced and secreted by the adrenal gland, signals the kidneys to excrete less sodium and more potassium. Aldosterone production is regulated partly by corticotropin (secreted by the pituitary gland) and in part through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system). Renin, an enzyme produced in the kidneys, controlling the activation of the hormone angiotensin, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce aldosterone.

Hyperaldosteronism can be caused by a tumor (usually a noncancerous adenoma) in the adrenal glands (a condition called conn's syndrome), although sometimes both glands are involved and very active. Sometimes hyperaldosteronism is a reaction to certain diseases, such as very high blood pressure (hypertension) or narrowing of one of the arteries to the kidneys.


SYMPTOMS
High aldosterone levels can cause low potassium levels. Low potassium levels often produce no symptoms but can cause weakness, tingling, muscle spasms, and periods of temporary paralysis. Some people become very thirsty and frequent urination.


Diagnosis
Doctors who suspect hyperaldosteronism first tested the levels of sodium and potassium in the blood. Doctors can also measure levels of aldosterone. If high, spironolactone or eplerenon, drugs that block the action of aldosterone, may be given to see if sodium and potassium levels returned to normal. In Conn's syndrome, is also very low renin levels.

When too much aldosterone is produced, the physician to examine the adrenal glands are noncancerous tumor (adenoma). Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be very helpful, but sometimes blood samples from each of adrenaline should be tested to ensure a source of hormones.


TREATMENT
If the tumor is found, it can usually be removed with surgery. When the tumor is removed, blood pressure returned to normal, and other symptoms disappeared about 70% every time. If no tumor was found and both glands are overactive, partial removal of the adrenal gland can not control high blood pressure, and complete removal would result in Addison's disease, requiring treatment for life. However, spironolactone or eplerenone can usually control the symptoms, and medications for high blood pressure immediately available. Rarely do both adrenal glands have to be removed.