Primary Aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism is due to increased adrenal aldosterone secretion. It may be due to an adenoma or bilateral hyperplasia. The result is salt and water retention with hypertension and hypokalemia. In this setting, a high plasma aldosterone to plasma renin activity ratio supports the diagnosis. The treatment for an adenoma is surgical excision. Hyperplasia is often treated with a mineralocorticoid antagonist.