Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis

Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis

The presence of PH (Primary Hyperaldosteronism) is now considered to be one of the most widely spread causes of HTN (secondary high blood pressure). Conn was the first scientist who thoroughly characterized this medical condition in 1956, although another physician, Litynski reported the first clinical cases of this ailment. This disorder, originally called Conn Syndrome, specifically refers to the presence of an adrenal aldosteronoma that triggers Primary Hyperaldosteronism. Even if the presence of this medical disorder was thought to be very rare – physicians described an estimated clinical prevalence lower than 1% of all individuals who are diagnosed with HTN, newer medical information lead to the fact that between 5 and 15% of all individuals who suffer from HTN also present PH; the condition is thought to be more common in the case of patients who present a therapy-resistant form of HTN.

Placing the adequate Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis can be quite challenging, but it is imperative for the patient’s well being. Studies have proven that HTN that is caused by the presence of Primary Hyperaldosteronism can often be dealt with and cured through an invasive medical procedure (surgical operation). Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis is commonly 3-tiered, as it is known to consist of several steps: the initial screening of the individual’s current medical status, the confirmation of the presence of the disorder and also the clear and accurate determination of the specific type and subtype of Primary Hyperaldosteronism of which the patient is suffering. However, all patients must always keep in mind that not all individuals who suffer from HTN will receive a Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis as such a medical condition can have multiple other clinical causes. You should not hesitate to ask for further information concerning this matter from your personal health care provider.

Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis Description

As we have already mentioned in the previous chapter, the placement of Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis involves several steps; first of all, the patient will have to undergo a set of laboratory studies. For example, patients who suffer from PH may also present a condition known as hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis (up to 38% of individuals who suffer from Primary Hyperaldosteronism do not present this type of blood medical disorder). There are several clinical factors that can predict the association between PH and hypokalemia; the most common of them are: hyper secretion of aldosterone, adequate intravascular volume, adequate dietary intake of sodium, and so on. There are several types of first-tier screening clinical examinations that the patient must undergo. Among them are: measurement of the individual’s serum levels of potassium and bicarbonate, plasmatic concentration of aldosterone, Captopril suppression test, and so on. You should ask your PD for more information about each and every one of these clinical examinations.

The next step of the Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis procedure is the undergoing of second-tier medical examinations (also referred to as confirmatory tests); they include: measurement of the patient’s serum levels of aldosterone, measurement of the individual’s urinary excretion of aldosterone during 24 hours, a special examination called the salt loading test, and so on.

The final part of the Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis routine are the third tier tests, which are meant to help the patient’s medical prescriber accurately determine the exact subtype of Primary Hyperaldosteronism of which the patient is suffering. The most common medical examinations that are employed in this part of the diagnostic procedure are: postural stimulation test, measurement of diurnal rhythm of aldosterone, Lasix (Furosemide) stimulation test, and so on.

Other types of medical procedures that can be employed in the Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis routine include different types of imaging tests. They include: initial radiologic clinical investigation (CT scans), adrenal venous sampling, MRI, NP-59 iodocholesterol scintigraphy, adrenal phlebography, and so on. Other medical examinations that can also prove helpful in such cases include the well known Fludrocortisone suppression test. Your personal health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history, current medical status and other similar factors, will know which of these medical examinations will suit your clinical needs best.

Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis Related Medication

In the previous part of our medical presentation, we have listed a number of clinical examinations that were part of the regular Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis procedure; some of these medical tests required the administration of certain drugs; we will try to familiarize you with some of the medicines that can be employed as part of the diagnostic procedure. One of them is Lasix (Furosemide), which is commonly employed in a combination with the upright posture examination. The patient will be administered about 40 mg of Lasix the night before he or she is scheduled to undergo the Lasix stimulation exam.

Another commonly employed medication is Fludrocortisone. In order to undergo the Fludrocortisone suppression medical test, the patient will have to remain hospitalized for about 4 days. This is one of the reasons for which this examination is not very popular nowadays. The patient will be administered every 6 hours a dose of 0.1-0.2 mg of this medication. He will also be given certain medical supplements, especially potassium and sodium chloride. Fludrocortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid medication.

Dexamethasone suppression test is also commonly employed as part of the Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis routine. Dexamethasone is an important exponent of the common class of glucocorticoid steroid hormones. Other medical products that can be included as part of this type of diagnostic medical procedure include: Reglan (Metoclopramide), Aldactone (spironolactone), and other similar products.

You should feel free to consult with your personal health care provider in order to receive more detailed and more complete information about the most common medical products that can be employed in the Primary Hyperaldosteronism Diagnosis routine. Your local pharmacist can give you further information about the medicines of which your physician has told you about (and about the drugs that are listed in this medical article) and he or she can also give you the professional leaflet of some of these products. The medical guide-book of a certain medication contains some detailed information about that specific product, including potential side effects, contra-indications, way of action, ingredients, and so on.