Guide To The Causes Of Conn's Syndrome

Conn's syndrome, also called primary hyperaldosteronism, is a condition where an individual's adrenal glands produce an excess amount of the hormone called aldosterone. Potassium and salt levels in an individual's blood are dictated by the production and release of aldosterone. When levels of these electrolytes become imbalanced in the body, it can lead to long term high blood pressure. Too much aldosterone causes the body to release more potassium into the urine and retain more sodium in the blood. The increased sodium in the blood causes it to have a higher volume due to fluid retention. A greater blood volume causes more pressure exertion on the blood vessel walls, otherwise known as hypertension. Long-term hypertension carries a higher risk of experiencing a stroke and developing heart disease. Symptoms of high aldosterone levels include medication-resistant high blood pressure, severe high blood pressure, and hypokalemia.