Primary Hyperaldosteronism in a Male Patient: A Case Report.

Abstract

Many individuals who develop hypertension are usually diagnosed with primary hypertension, but not all are screened for secondary hypertension. Primary hyperaldosteronism is often a leading cause of secondary hypertension, particularly in individuals who develop hypertension at an early age. The sudden onset of hypokalemia in a hypertensive patient warrants evaluation for underlying etiologies. Primary hyperaldosteronism [primary aldosteronism (PA)] leads to greater end-organ damage and is linked with increased cardiovascular complications such as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), heart failure (HF), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), nonfatal myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation (AF) when compared to primary hypertension. Primary hyperaldosteronism is an underdiagnosed condition as it does not have any specific, easily identifiable features, and physicians can overlook the disease.