Hyperaldosteronism - primary and secondary

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Adrenal gland hormone secretion

Endocrine glands

Conn syndrome

Primary hyperaldosteronism caused by a tumor is usually treated with surgery. Removing adrenal tumors may control the symptoms. Even after surgery, some people have high blood pressure and need to take medication.

Watching your salt intake and taking medication may control the symptoms without surgery. Medications used to treat hyperaldosteronism include:

• Spironolactone (Aldactone; Aldactazide), a diuretic ("water pill")
• Eplerenone (Inspra), which blocks the action of aldosterone

Surgery is not used for secondary hyperaldosteronism, but medications and diet are part of treatment.

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The prognosis for primary hyperaldosteronism is good with early diagnosis and treatment. The prognosis for secondary hyperaldosteronism will vary depending on the cause of the condition.

Impotence and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men) may occur with long-term spironolactone treatment in men, but this is uncommon.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of hyperaldosteronism.

Review Date: 07/25/2009
Reviewed By: Robert Cooper, MD, Endocrinology Specialist and Chief of Medicine, Holyoke Medical Center, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).