Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
Published on: September 15, 2017
Occurrence and Patient Characteristics of Aldosterone Dysregulation in Routine Clinical Care: A Population-Based
Christine Ljungberg1, Uffe Heide-Jørgensen1, Björn Carlsson2
1Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus, Denmark.
Background:
Current guidelines recommend screening for elevated aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR) in high-risk hypertensive patients. However, the definition, occurrence, and population-level characteristics of aldosterone dysregulation (AD) remain unclear.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to examine the occurrence of AD and associated clinical characteristics.
Methods:
The authors conducted a population-based cohort study using health registries with complete laboratory test results for all Danish residents. The authors examined the annual proportion of ARR testing and AD occurrence, defined as ARR ≥27.7 pmol/mIU (1 ng/dL per mIU/L), in the general and hypertensive population. Clinical characteristics associated with testing and AD were described, and analyses were repeated using different ARR thresholds (138.7 pmol/mIU and 225.8 pmol/mIU).
Results:
Among 5.42 million Danish adults, 18,650 underwent ARR testing during 2017-2024. Testing was 4-fold higher in hypertensive adults than in the general population. In 2023, AD prevalence per 100,000 was 39.1 in hypertensive adults compared to 10.0 in the general population. Among tested hypertensive adults, 25.0% met the AD threshold ARR ≥27.7 pmol/mIU, while 4.5% and 1.8% met stricter AD thresholds (138.7 and 225.8 pmol/mIU). Hypertensive adults with AD had longer hypertension duration (7.1 vs 5.2 years) and used more concurrent antihypertensive drugs.
Conclusions:
In this first nationwide study of AD, detected AD was 4 times more prevalent in adults with hypertension compared to the general population. One in 4 hypertensive adults tested met the AD threshold of ARR ≥27.7 pmol/mIU and they had higher intensity of antihypertensive therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Hormonal Regulation
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
