Cardiovascular Remodeling in Chronic Mineralocorticoid Excess

Primary hyperaldosteronism typically leads to resistant hypertension, hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis. Excess aldosterone secretion by the adrenal glands may lead to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Potassium-sparing diuretics and aldosterone antagonists directed to lower excess aldosterone levels may help treat the associated heart failure and lead to control of blood pressure, resulting in improved outcomes. We report a case of a 55-year-old male with poorly controlled hypertension and newly symptomatic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in the setting of excess aldosterone activity and an adrenal adenoma suggesting primary aldosteronism-induced diastolic heart failure. The biochemical evaluation revealed elevated plasma aldosterone concentrations with low plasma renin activity, diuretic-induced hypokalemia, and metabolic alkalosis. A progressively enlarging left adrenal adenoma was found on abdominal imaging along with resistant hypertension despite the use of multiple antihypertensive medications. Medical management targeted to lower excess aldosterone levels with the use of aldosterone antagonists helped us achieve better blood pressure control and resolution of symptoms of diastolic dysfunction. Treating the underlying pathology helped us improve overt heart failure and may suggest that goal-directed therapy towards the inciting factors may potentially lead to a path to reverse the heart failure symptoms clinically.