Conn's syndrome Flashcards
Conn’s syndrome is an a_____ a____ causing h_________
adrenal adenoma
hyperaldosteronism
Is Conn’s syndrome primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism?
Primary
True or false: Conn’s syndrome is the most common cause of secondary hypertension
True
Secondary hyperaldosteronism is due to…
Excess renin release, causes excess aldosterone release due to RAAS
Excess renin may be due to stenosis of renal artery so blood pressure stays low in nephron. Detects low bp so renin released.
Are there high or low renin levels in primary hyperaldosteronism?
Low levels, renin is suppressed by increased blood pressure due to high aldosterone
What will happen to electrolytes in hyperaldosteronism?
Increase in sodium (and water)
Decrease in potassium
Hyperaldosteronism can cause h_______ with h________
hypertension
hypokalaemia
Do ACE-i help lower high blood pressure in Conn’s syndrome?
No, ACE-i and B-blockers don’t lower blood pressure as don’t affect adrenal adenoma’s production of aldosterone.
True or false: A symptom of hyperaldosteronism is resistant hypertension
True
What are symptoms of hyperaldosteronism?
Resistant hypertension
Hypokalaemia
Muscle weakness
Paraesthesia (tingling)
Polydipsia
Polyuria
What is the first line test for hyperaldosteronism?
Aldosterone: renin levels
What will happen to the aldosterone: renin ratio in Conn’s syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism)?
High aldosterone to low renin
What will happen to the aldosterone: renin ratio in secondary hyperaldosteronism?
High Aldosterone and high renin
What is the diagnostic test for hyperaldosteronism?
Measure serum aldosterone with 0.9 saline or fludrocortisone (synthetic aldosterone)
In hyperaldosteronism, high serum aldosterone as not suppressed
What would an ECG show in hyperaldosteronism?
Hypokalaemia:
Long PR interval
Prominent U waves
ST depression
small inverted T waves
