Health
The Hidden Health Risk: Discover the Common Condition Overlooked in High Blood Pressure Cases
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often associated with lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of physical activity, and diets high in fat and sodium. It can also be hereditary or indicate an underlying health issue, such as Conn’s syndrome. Recent research has brought attention to a frequently overlooked condition that could be contributing to elevated blood pressure.
Experts from the Endocrine Society have highlighted that between 5 and 14 percent of people with hypertension may also have undiagnosed primary aldosteronism, commonly known as Conn’s syndrome. Their data suggests that up to 30 percent of hypertension patients in specialized care centers are at risk.
The hormone aldosterone, when overproduced, can lead to high blood pressure by regulating sodium and potassium levels in the blood, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic. Primary aldosteronism is characterized predominantly by hypertension, but it can also present other symptoms.
Doctors caution that those with primary aldosteronism face “significantly higher health risks,” particularly concerning heart health, compared to those with primary hypertension. The findings are detailed in a Clinical Practice Guideline published on July 14 in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM).
“People with primary aldosteronism face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those with primary hypertension,” stated Gail K. Adler, PhD, the lead author of the study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. “With a low-cost blood test, we could identify more people who have primary aldosteronism and ensure they receive the proper treatment for the condition.”
These guidelines are based on two comprehensive meta-analyses that reviewed over 75 studies. In the first analysis, researchers examined the health records of 3,838 individuals with primary aldosteronism and 9,284 with primary hypertension. They found that those with Conn’s syndrome have an increased risk of four cardiovascular conditions, typically occurring a median of 8.8 years after being diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Another analysis revealed that patients with primary aldosteronism are at a higher risk for renal disease and proteinuria. This was concluded after reviewing the health charts of 6,056 individuals with primary aldosteronism and 9,733 with primary hypertension. The results showed a 2.68 greater likelihood of proteinuria, which indicates potential kidney problems, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.
Moreover, the researchers noted that individuals with primary aldosteronism often experience reduced psychological well-being and quality of life.
“Despite its prevalence and the serious health risks it poses, primary aldosteronism remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated,” the researchers emphasized.
The reason for this underdiagnosis, according to Adler and her team, is that “screening for primary aldosteronism is critically low, often delayed until years after hypertension has been diagnosed,” and typically only after severe complications arise.
Consequently, many individuals continue to be treated for primary hypertension, missing out on targeted treatments or potential cures, and enduring poorly managed blood pressure along with increased risks of cardiovascular and renal disease.
The morbidity and mortality associated with primary aldosteronism are “largely preventable” with early screening. The authors recommend following the 2024 guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), which suggest that all adults diagnosed with hypertension should also be screened for primary aldosteronism.
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