Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is aldosteronism?
- How common is aldosteronism?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of aldosteronism?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes aldosteronism?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for aldosteronism?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for aldosteronism?
- What are the usual tests for aldosteronism?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat aldosteronism?
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Definition
What is aldosteronism?
Aldosteronism is a hormonal disorder that causes high blood pressure. Your adrenal glands produce a number of important hormones, including the hormone aldosterone, which functions to balance sodium and potassium in your blood.
In aldosteronism, the adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone eldosterone. As a result, the levels of potassium and potassium in the blood are imbalanced, thereby increasing your blood volume, blood pressure.
How common is aldosteronism?
Elevated levels of aldosterone are not a common disease. Men and women have the same risk of this disease. Aldosteronism is a condition that usually affects individuals who have high blood pressure, as well as those aged 30-50 years.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of aldosteronism?
The main signs and symptoms of aldosteronism are:
- High blood pressure.
- Hypokalemia or high blood pressure along with low potassium levels.
Other symptoms of aldosteronism are:
- Limp body
- Muscle cramp
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Urinating frequently
In some cases, the patient may not show any symptoms. There may be signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about your symptoms, please consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
Please consult a doctor if you have a risk of high blood pressure, such as:
- You are 45 years of age or older.
- Have family members with a history of high blood pressure.
- Overweight.
- Active smoker.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Unbalanced nutritional intake (too much salt and lack of potassium).
Cause
What causes aldosteronism?
The main cause of aldosteronism is too much adrenal hormone aldosterone. There are 2 types of aldosteronism, namely:
- Primary hyperaldosteronism occurs when adrenal tumors appear. These tumors are benign tumors called adenomas. This disorder is also known as Conn's syndrome.
- Secondary hyperaldosteronism is usually caused by other diseases in the body such as congestive heart failure, liver failure, kidney disease, dehydration, or interactions with some drugs such as diuretics or fludrocortisone.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for aldosteronism?
Factors that can increase your risk of developing aldosteronism include:
- Having high blood pressure since young (since you were less than 30 years old)
- Consuming high blood pressure drugs that are combined more than three.
- Family history of stroke at a young age.
- Low levels of potassium in the blood.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for aldosteronism?
The doctor will choose the method of treatment for aldosteronism based on the cause. Overall, the goal of all treatments is to prevent aldosterone production, and prevent complications from high blood pressure and low levels of potassium in the blood.
Various treatment options for tumors in the adrenal gland area include:
- Operation. chances are the doctor will perform surgery to remove the adrenal tumor. After surgery, blood pressure and potassium levels will improve, and the level of the hormone aldosterone will return to normal as before
- Drug. if you cannot have surgery, you should use an aldosterone inhibitor as a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. Take medication as directed by your doctor. High blood pressure and potassium levels in the blood will also decrease as you quit smoking.
A combination of medications and lifestyle changes can effectively treat primary aldosteronism that is caused by overactivity of the adrenal glands.
Lifestyle changes and healthy eating patterns can help control your blood pressure. Always maintain your weight, do sports that are suitable for your body condition, reduce smoking and alcoholic beverages, and always use medications as directed by your doctor.
What are the usual tests for aldosteronism?
To diagnose aldosteronism, doctors can perform the following methods.
- Screening test. The doctor will do tests to check the levels of aldosterone and renin in the blood. Renin is an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure. Low concentrations of renin and aldosterone can cause high blood pressure.
- Diagnostic examination. If the results of screening tests indicate that you are at risk of increasing aldosterone, your doctor will recommend that you continue with test tests, such as the aldosterone level test after an IV, and the fludrocortisone test.
- Additional tests may include a CT scan of the abdomen and an examination of the adrenal blood vessels.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat aldosteronism?
You can control your condition if you do the following habits.
- Maintain a healthy diet. Limit the amount of salt in your diet, add vegetable and fruit supplements. Make a variety of your diet that is good for your health, such as cereals, fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods
- Maintain ideal body weight. If you have a BMI (Body Mass Index) greater than or equal to 25, weight loss can help control blood pressure
- Sports. Walking and aerobic exercise can help control your blood pressure
- Don't smoke, limit the use of drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.