1. By: McKenzie Stewart, Amber Graves & Hanna George1

2. Hyperaldosteronism is a disease caused byproblems in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce groups of steroidhormones called: Mineralocorticoids Sex hormones Glucocorticoids Aldosterone is one of the hormonesproduced. It is an integral part ofHyperaldosteronism. 2 3. 3 4. Aldosterone is a hormone that controls sodium and potassium levels in the blood. Its overproduction leads to retention of salt andloss of potassium, which then leads tohypertension (high blood pressure). 4 5. People in their 30s-50s (adulthood), withprevalence increasing with age Females are more likely to be affected than males African Americans have a significantly greaterrisk of fatality from the disease than other races Rare in children (It is more likely to have beeninherited if diagnosed in a child) 5 6. 6 7. Caused by a problem within the adrenal glandsUsually caused by a benign tumor of the adrenalgland or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia(enlargement of an organ caused by an increasein the reproduction rate of its cells) 7 8. Secondary Hyperaldosteronism is when theexcess aldosterone is caused by somethingoutside the adrenal gland and mimics theprimary condition.8 9. Increased renin production, commonly caused by the ingestion of oral contraceptives and toxemia from pregnancy.Conditions like congestive heart failure, liver failure, kidney disease, cirrhosis, and dehydrationCertain medicines like diuretics and fludrocortisone.Anything that decreases blood flow to the kidneys, lowers blood pressure, or lowers sodium levels.*Renin - An enzyme secreted by and stored in the kidney area thatstimulates aldosterone and therefore, raises blood pressure9 10. 10 11. Symptoms are similar to those of PrimaryHyperaldosteronism Moderate hypertension (high blood pressure) Most individuals have no other specific symptoms.However, some may have: Muscle weakness Fatigue Temporary paralysis Cramping Headaches Low potassium level Tingling Muscle spasms11 12. Elevated aldosterone levels can be measured in the blood orurine. In a blood test, PRA (Plasma renin activity), is used todistinguish between primary (low PRA) and secondaryHyperaldosteronism (high PRA). Abdominal CT scans can show adrenal masses Electrocardiograms (ECGs) can show abnormalities in heartrhythm that are often associated with low potassium level. It is likely that many cases of secondary Hyperaldosteronismare never detected. 12 13. Secondary Hyperaldosteronism is treated bytreating the underlying cause. Typically, medication and diet (but not surgery)are used When untreated, the disease can lead touncontrolled hypertension (which can become arisk factor for stroke and heart disease). The outlook for the patient depends on thecause of the condition 13 14. Hyperaldosteronism is relatively uncommon butstill accounts for about 0.5% of cases ofhypertension in the United States. Secondary Hyperaldosteronism is more commonthan Primary. Eating large amounts of real black licorice canproduce a similar syndrome due to a chemicalthat acts like aldosterone.14 15. Margulies, Paul. "Adrenal Diseases - Hyperaldosteronism The Facts You Need To Know." NADF (National AdrenalDiseases Foundation). NADF, 1987. Web. . "Hyperaldosteronism- primary and secondary." MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. N.p., 2011. Web.. "Hyperaldosteronism." Medscape Reference. N.p., 04 Mar 2009. Web. . Grossman, Ashely. "Hyperaldosteronism." The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook. N.p., n.d. Web.. "Hyperaldosteonism- Primary and Secondary (Conns Syndrome)." . N.p., n.d. Web. . "Laparoscopic Adrenal Surgery." Georgia Health Sciences Health System. N.p., n.d. Web.. "Symptoms of Primary Hyperaldosteronism." . N.p., 01 Feb 2012. Web. 26 Feb 2012.. Bazos, M. J.. "Hyperaldosteronism." . N.p., n.d. Web.. "Male and Female Signs." PSDGraphics. N.p., 16 Jun 2009. Web. . "Hyperaldosteronism." The Free Dictionary. N.p., n.d. Web. . "Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conns Syndrome)." UAUFoundation. N.p., 2011. Web.. "High Blood Pressure." . Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp, 2010. Web..15 16. 16 17. What is the main difference betweenPrimary and Secondary Hyperaldosteronism?17 18. Primary is caused by somethingdirectly affecting the adrenal glandswithin and Secondary is caused bysomething outside of them.18 19. What does the hormone,Aldosterone, do? 19 20. It controls sodium andpotassium levels in the blood. 20 21. What is Hypertension?21 22. High blood pressure! 22 23. What age groups isHyperaldosteronism most prevalent in?23 24. Adult to elderly (30-50s).24 25. What is Hyperplasia? 25 26. The enlargement of an organdue to increased cellular reproduction.26