Volume overload is a major characteristic in primary aldosteronism: a 3-year follow-up study

Eeva Kokko1, Manoj Kumar Choudhary1, Aapo Mutanen1

  • 1Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University.

Journal of Hypertension
|February 26, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Primary aldosteronism causes excess extracellular water, increasing forward wave amplitude. Targeted treatment normalized volume load and improved hemodynamics, suggesting extracellular water evaluation aids diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Primary aldosteronism is characterized by excessive aldosterone production, leading to hypertension.
  • Hemodynamic alterations, including volume balance and wave propagation, are critical in primary aldosteronism.
  • Essential hypertension shares some hemodynamic similarities but differs in volume status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate hemodynamic changes, specifically volume balance and wave amplitudes, in primary aldosteronism before and after treatment.
  • To compare these hemodynamic profiles with essential hypertension and normotensive individuals.
  • To identify factors influencing hemodynamic improvements following primary aldosteronism treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Radial artery pulse wave analysis and whole-body impedance cardiography were used for hemodynamic recordings.
  • Primary aldosteronism was treated via adrenalectomy (unilateral) or spironolactone (bilateral).
  • Essential hypertension was managed with standard antihypertensive agents.

Main Results:

  • Primary aldosteronism patients exhibited significant extracellular water excess (approximately 10%) compared to other groups, which normalized post-treatment.
  • Both primary aldosteronism and essential hypertension showed elevated aortic blood pressure, wave amplitudes, and systemic vascular resistance.
  • Treatment effectively reduced these hemodynamic variables, with decreased systemic vascular resistance and extracellular water volume significantly impacting forward wave amplitude reduction.

Conclusions:

  • The primary hemodynamic distinction in primary aldosteronism is an elevated volume load, contributing to increased forward wave amplitude.
  • Targeted treatment of primary aldosteronism normalizes volume load and improves hemodynamic parameters.
  • Routine assessment of extracellular water may improve the identification and diagnosis of primary aldosteronism.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics01:28

Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Liddle syndrome is a genetically inherited form of hypertension characterized by the overactivity of epithelial sodium channels in the nephron, the functional unit of the kidney. This heightened activity leads to increased sodium reabsorption and excessive excretion of potassium. To counteract this, potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride are used. They function by blocking these sodium channels, thereby reducing the influx of sodium into the epithelial cells and minimizing the loss of...
554
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
381
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
431
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers01:30

Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

In the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormone called angiotensin II plays a crucial role. It binds to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscles coupled with Gq proteins. The activation of these receptors activates an enzyme called phospholipase C, which releases two molecules: inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol. These molecules cause a chain reaction that leads to the phosphorylation of myosin light chains and promotes interaction between actin and myosin, leading to smooth...
731
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
2.1K
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers

β-adrenergic antagonists, commonly known as β-blockers, block the effects of sympathetic neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline (NA) and adrenaline (ADR). They have several beneficial effects in heart failure treatment. They reduce heart rate, the force of contraction, and cardiac muscle relaxation. They also slow the atrial-ventricular conduction rate and raise the threshold for arrhythmias. The concentration of β-blockers determines their effects on bronchodilation,...
340