Doctors Warn Up to 30% of People With High Blood Pressure Have This Undiagnosed Condition

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that can be caused by various factors like a poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, or even genetics. However, there’s one often overlooked cause of hypertension that could be responsible for your rising blood pressure—primary aldosteronism, or Conn’s syndrome.

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What is Primary Aldosteronism?

Primary aldosteronism is a condition where the adrenal glands overproduce the hormone aldosterone. This hormone is responsible for regulating sodium and potassium levels in your blood. When there’s too much aldosterone, it can lead to high blood pressure, making it harder to manage hypertension effectively.

Experts estimate that between 5% to 14% of people with high blood pressure also suffer from undiagnosed primary aldosteronism. In some health centers, the number could be as high as 30%. Unfortunately, many individuals with this condition remain undiagnosed and untreated.

Symptoms of Primary Aldosteronism

The symptoms of primary aldosteronism often overlap with those of other conditions, making it difficult to diagnose. Common signs include:

• Fatigue

• Excessive thirst

• Frequent urination

• Headaches

• Muscle cramps and weakness

• Blurred vision

While these symptoms may seem mild, they are often associated with the underlying condition that leads to serious health risks.

Increased Risk of Heart and Kidney Problems

Conn’s syndrome isn’t just about high blood pressure. People with primary aldosteronism face significantly higher risks of heart and kidney complications. Research indicates that individuals with this condition have a much greater chance of developing serious cardiovascular diseases, including:

• Stroke (2.58 times more likely)

• Coronary artery disease (1.77 times more likely)

• Atrial fibrillation (3.52 times more likely)

• Heart failure (2.05 times more likely)

Additionally, primary aldosteronism patients are also at a higher risk of kidney issues, such as chronic kidney disease and proteinuria (high protein levels in urine), which could indicate kidney damage.

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The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Primary aldosteronism remains largely underdiagnosed, despite the fact that early screening could prevent many of the severe health issues associated with it. Currently, doctors rarely screen for the condition unless hypertension has been diagnosed for years or after complications have emerged.

According to experts, screening for primary aldosteronism should be part of the routine care for anyone diagnosed with hypertension. Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment options, which may include medications or even surgery in some cases, and could significantly reduce the risk of long-term health issues like heart disease and kidney failure.

Conclusion

If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, muscle cramps, or excessive thirst, it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting screened for primary aldosteronism. This common but often undiagnosed condition could be the key to better managing your health and preventing more serious complications down the road.