Submitted by giuliomagnifico t3_10ffap8 in science
Comments
skwrl71 t1_j4wo4s4 wrote
Isn’t there a 24 hour urine test to check for markers for that?
braindrain_94 t1_j4x24ut wrote
That’s for hypercortsolism causing Cushings disease.
You test for hyperaldosteronism with a aldosterone to renin ratio- done by blood draw
darwinwoodka t1_j4x7db0 wrote
But that won't tell you if it's only one adrenal gland causing trouble... or which one it is...
braindrain_94 t1_j4xlivr wrote
No but it’s the first step. And it’s important because you need to make sure there’s actually increased aldosterone causing the hypertension because increased renin will do that as well (e.g. from renal artery stenosis). There’s several causes of secondary hypertension- it doesn’t always localize to the adrenal gland.
CocktailChemist t1_j4yec2w wrote
To build on what’s already been said, there is a test for unilateral vs bilateral hyperaldosteronism - adrenal venous sampling. But it is critical to get a specialist with a lot of experience because it’s a technically challenging procedure.
PeriodicAdamSchiff t1_j4z4hbo wrote
Exactly. Adrenal venous sampling is problematic and imperfect, to put it nicely. This seems like a much better method for the patients with hyperaldosteronism without an obvious nodule as the source. This is still a pretty small percentage of people with hypertension.
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darwinwoodka t1_j4wg5ub wrote
I hope this testing becomes more available! It would probably help fix my hypertension, I know it's aldosterone based.