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Primary hyperaldosteronism, also known as Conn’s syndrome, is a rare condition where your body makes too much of the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate blood pressure by retaining salt and losing potassium from the blood.
If your adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, too much salt stays in your body causing high blood pressure (hypertension). The condition can also cause low potassium levels.
Left untreated, primary hyperaldosteronism can lead to dangerously high blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances that can cause serious complications such as a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, irregular heartbeat, kidney failure and temporary paralysis.
Primary hyperaldosteronism can involve one adrenal gland (unilateral disease) or both adrenal glands (bilateral disease). It can be treated with medication or surgery.
Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private Conn’s syndrome treatment with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what primary hyperaldosteronism is, looks at the symptoms and causes of primary hyperaldosteronism, and explores how the condition is treated.
If your adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, too much salt stays in your body causing high blood pressure (hypertension). The condition can also cause low potassium levels.
Left untreated, primary hyperaldosteronism can lead to dangerously high blood pressure and electrolyte imbalances that can cause serious complications such as a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, irregular heartbeat, kidney failure and temporary paralysis.
Primary hyperaldosteronism can involve one adrenal gland (unilateral disease) or both adrenal glands (bilateral disease). It can be treated with medication or surgery.
Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private Conn’s syndrome treatment with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what primary hyperaldosteronism is, looks at the symptoms and causes of primary hyperaldosteronism, and explores how the condition is treated.
The main symptom of hyperaldosteronism is high blood pressure. Around 50% of patients with hyperaldosteronism also have low levels of potassium in their blood.
These may cause signs and symptoms including:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Muscle cramps, twitching or pins and needles
- Muscle weakness
- Excessive thirst
- Constipation
- Passing more urine than normal
- Cardiac arrhythmia
Primary hyperaldosteronism occurs when one or both of your adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, the hormone that helps regulate your blood pressure and levels of water, sodium and potassium in your body.
Your adrenal glands may produce too much aldosterone for several reasons including:
- Inherited conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Benign (noncancerous) tumours such as an aldosterone-producing adenoma or phaeochromocytoma
- Adrenal cancer (rare)
Secondary hyperaldosteronism
This is another type of hyperaldosteronism that can occur secondary to another condition such as kidney disease or liver disease, heart failure or pregnancy.
Risk factors
Anyone can develop primary hyperaldosteronism, but you may have an increased risk of developing the condition if you:
- Are between 30 and 50 years of age
- Are diagnosed with high blood pressure or have a stroke under the age of 40
- Have resistant hypertension that can’t be managed with conventional medications
- Have high blood pressure that needs three or more medications to manage
- Have hypertension and a first-degree relative with hyperaldosteronism
- Have high blood pressure and low blood potassium levels
- Have high blood pressure and sleep apnoea
- Have an adrenal tumour
At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant endocrinologist, a doctor specialising in conditions affecting the endocrine system, which is the system of glands that produce and regulate hormones in your body.
Your first appointment is important as it’s where you’ll meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care. They will ask you about your symptoms, family and medical history and general health. They will spend time getting to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have.
At Circle Health Group, we want you to be as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your time with us, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your appointment, however small.
How is hyperaldosteronism diagnosed?
The main tests used to diagnose primary hyperaldosteronism are blood tests to measure your renin and aldosterone levels as well as check the levels of sodium and potassium in your blood. You may need more than one test to get an accurate diagnosis.
Other tests for primary hyperaldosteronism include:
Imaging tests
An MRI or CT scan allows your consultant to examine your adrenal glands and check for tumours or other abnormalities that could be causing your hyperaldosteronism.
Saline suppression test
This test is used to determine your body’s ability to suppress the hormones renin and angiotensin in response to saline. The test involves having an infusion of saline (salt solution) and measuring your levels of renin and angiotensin before and after.
Adrenal vein sampling
This is a test to see whether your hyperaldosteronism is caused by overactivity in one or both of your adrenal glands. This test is performed as a day case procedure and involves inserting a flexible tube called a catheter into a vein in your groin and taking blood samples from both adrenal glands.
How hyperaldosteronism is treated varies depending on whether one or both of your adrenal glands are affected.
If only one of your adrenal glands is causing your primary hyperaldosteronism, your consultant may recommend surgical removal of your adrenal gland with a surgical procedure called a laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
If both your adrenal glands are overactive, or if your condition has a genetic cause, the condition is normally treated with medication. Your consultant may also advise you on lifestyle changes such as losing weight and reducing sodium (salt) in your diet.
Surgery for Conn’s syndrome
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a type of keyhole surgery to remove your adrenal gland. It is performed under general anaesthetic, meaning you’ll be asleep for the procedure and won’t feel any pain. During your laparoscopic adrenalectomy, your consultant will make three or four small incisions (cuts) in your abdomen and use a thin tube with a light and a camera along with specialised instruments to remove your adrenal gland.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy normally takes between two and three hours. You can expect to spend two to four nights in hospital following the procedure. Recovery from laparoscopic adrenalectomy varies from person to person, but most people are able to resume normal activities within two to four weeks.
Medication for Conn’s syndrome
If both your adrenal glands are producing too much aldosterone, you will be prescribed medication such as spironolactone to block the effects of aldosterone. This medication lowers your blood pressure by helping your kidneys extract more fluid and salt from your blood and passing it out of your body through your urine without losing too much potassium.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes such as reducing salt in your diet and losing weight can help your medication work better. Our expert team of dieticians can work with you to create a suitable diet plan to help manage your condition.
Like all medical treatments, hyperaldosteronism treatments can cause side effects in some people. Your consultant will explain all the possible complications and side effects to you before you start your treatment and answer any questions you may have.
It’s important that you are fully informed about all the potential side effects and/or complications of your medication or procedure as this will allow you to make an informed decision.
Potential complications of laparoscopic adrenalectomy include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic
- Damage to nearby organs
- Chest infection
- Adrenal insufficiency: If both your adrenal glands are removed, your body may not produce enough hormones, and you may need to take lifelong hormone replacement therapy
- The adrenal tumour may come back
- Hormonal imbalances
Possible side effects of spironolactone include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Breast pain/ enlargement
- Dehydration
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes — may indicate liver problems
- High potassium levels (hyperkalaemia): Symptoms include muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath
- Kidney problems: Symptoms include drowsiness, confusion, peeing less than usual, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting
Conn’s syndrome can’t always be prevented, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition including:
- Reducing salt in your diet
- Increasing physical activity
- Stopping smoking
- Limiting alcohol
- Reducing stress
At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:
- Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
- The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Private ensuite rooms as standard
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about primary hyperaldosteronism treatment, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
What is Conn’s Syndrome? - Urology Care Foundation
Conn Syndrome - National Library of Medicine
Primary hyperaldosteronism - Johns Hopkins Medicine
Guide to Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome) - Columbia Surgery
