Five Reasons for the Failure to Diagnose Aldosterone Excess in Hypertension
Horm Metab Res DOI: 10.1055/a-1236-4869Primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) is a well-known cause of hypertension although
its exact prevalence amongst patients with apparent essential hypertension has
been a matter of debate. A number of recent studies have suggested that mild
forms of PA may be relatively common taking into consideration factors that were
previously either overestimated or ignored when developing diagnostic tests of
PA and when applying these tests into normotensive individuals. The performance
characteristics and diagnostic accuracy of such tests are substantially
increased when the adrenocorticotrophin effect, inappropriate potassium levels
and their application in carefully selected normotensive individuals are
considered. In the present review, we critically analyze these issues and
provide evidence that several, particularly mild, forms of PA can be effectively
identified exhibiting potentially important clinical implications. [...] © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkArticle in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents | Abstract | Full text
Source: Hormone and Metabolic Research - Category: Endocrinology Authors: Piaditis, George P. Kaltsas, Gregory Markou, Athina Chrousos, George P. Tags: Review Source Type: research