Aldosteronism

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Aldosteronism (pronounced: al-dos-ter-o-nizm) is a medical condition characterized by the overproduction of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands. This overproduction can lead to a variety of health issues, most notably hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypokalemia (low potassium levels).

Etymology

The term "Aldosteronism" is derived from "Aldosterone," the hormone that is overproduced in this condition, and the suffix "-ism," which is used in medical terminology to denote a condition or disease. Aldosterone itself is named after the adrenal glands (where it is produced) and the chemical steroid structure it shares with other hormones.

Types of Aldosteronism

There are two main types of Aldosteronism: Primary Aldosteronism and Secondary Aldosteronism.

Primary Aldosteronism, also known as Conn's syndrome, is caused by an issue within the adrenal glands themselves, such as an adenoma (a benign tumor).

Secondary Aldosteronism is caused by a condition or issue elsewhere in the body that leads to the adrenal glands producing too much aldosterone. This can include conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, or liver cirrhosis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Aldosteronism include fatigue, headache, and excessive urination. More severe symptoms can include muscle weakness or spasms, due to the low levels of potassium in the body.

Treatment

Treatment for Aldosteronism typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the overproduction of aldosterone. This can include surgery to remove an adenoma in the case of Primary Aldosteronism, or medication to manage the symptoms and effects of the condition in the case of Secondary Aldosteronism.

See Also

External links

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