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Hyperaldosteronism

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Sep 2022
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Glands make and release hormones.

Hormones are chemicals that stimulate other cells or tissues into action. Because hormones are in your blood, they travel throughout your body. They can affect many organs at the same time.

You have two adrenal glands, one above each kidney. The adrenal glands Overview of the Adrenal Glands Glands make and release hormones. Hormones are chemicals that stimulate other cells or tissues into action. Because hormones are in your blood, they travel throughout your body. They can affect... read more release several different hormones that help control your blood pressure, heart rate, balance of water and salt, response to stress, and some male-type sex features.

The Adrenal Glands
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What is hyperaldosteronism?

In hyperaldosteronism, you have too much of the adrenal hormone called aldosterone.

What causes hyperaldosteronism?

The hormone aldosterone tells your kidneys to hold on to sodium and get rid of potassium. Sodium and potassium are important minerals in your body.

Causes of hyperaldosteronism include:

  • A tumor in your adrenal gland that produces aldosterone (Conn disease)

  • Certain kidney problems that make your adrenal glands release aldosterone

  • Rarely, general overactivity of your adrenal glands

Usually adrenal gland tumors aren't cancerous.

What are the symptoms of hyperaldosteronism?

How do doctors tell if I have hyperaldosteronism?

How do doctors treat hyperaldosteronism?

Doctors will:

  • Do surgery to remove any adrenal gland tumors

  • Have you take a type of high blood pressure medicine that blocks the effects of aldosterone

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