Hyperaldosteronism

Hyperaldosteronism is excessive aldosterone production, causing increased renal sodium retention and potassium excretion. It may raise blood pressure and can arise from adrenal disease or other causes.

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Aldosterone: A steroid hormone produced mainly by the adrenal cortex that regulates sodium, potassium, and fluid balance. Excess secretion of this hormone defines hyperaldosteronism.
Adrenal cortex: The outer region of the adrenal gland that produces steroid hormones. Aldosterone-producing cells reside in its outer zona glomerulosa.
Primary aldosteronism: A form of hyperaldosteronism in which adrenal aldosterone production is inappropriately high relative to renin. This common form is investigated when hypertension accompanies suppressed renin.
Cushing syndrome: A disorder caused by prolonged exposure to excess cortisol. It can cause hypertension and sometimes low potassium, but cortisol rather than aldosterone is excessive.
Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system: A hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid and electrolyte balance. Its signals regulate aldosterone secretion, though primary disease can suppress renin.
Renin: An enzyme released by the kidneys that initiates the renin–angiotensin system. Renin levels help distinguish autonomous adrenal secretion from a compensatory aldosterone response.
Secondary hyperaldosteronism: Elevated aldosterone secretion driven by increased renin activity or another upstream stimulus. It contrasts with autonomous adrenal secretion and directs attention to the underlying stimulus.
Liddle syndrome: An inherited disorder in which overactive kidney sodium channels cause hypertension and potassium loss. It resembles aldosterone excess clinically but typically features low aldosterone.
Collecting duct: The final nephron segment that adjusts urine composition under hormonal control. Aldosterone increases sodium reabsorption and potassium secretion in this kidney segment.
Zona glomerulosa: The outer layer of the adrenal cortex, where aldosterone is synthesized. Excess aldosterone in primary disease originates from this hormone-producing layer.