{"id":23,"date":"2018-01-30T20:50:53","date_gmt":"2018-01-31T01:50:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/conditions\/hyperaldosteronism-conns\/"},"modified":"2026-01-09T13:23:45","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T18:23:45","slug":"hyperaldosteronism-conns","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/conditions\/hyperaldosteronism-conns\/","title":{"rendered":"Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s)"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":7,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-23","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"layers":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

Primary hyperaldosteronism\u2014also known as Conn\u2019s syndrome\u2014is a condition in which one or both adrenal glands produce excess aldosterone, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and potassium levels. This hormone imbalance can lead to difficult-to-control high blood pressure, low potassium, and increased cardiovascular risk if left untreated.<\/p>\n

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Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At Saint John\u2019s Health Center in Santa Monica, our Endocrine Center of Excellence provides advanced diagnostic testing and personalized treatment\u2014including minimally invasive adrenal surgery and long-term medical management\u2014designed to restore hormonal balance and protect long-term heart and kidney health.<\/p>\n

What Is Primary Hyperaldosteronism?<\/h2>\n

Primary hyperaldosteronism occurs when excess aldosterone is produced due to a disorder within the adrenal glands themselves. Aldosterone normally helps regulate sodium, water, and potassium levels, playing a key role in maintaining healthy blood pressure.<\/p>\n

When too much aldosterone is present, the body retains sodium and water while losing potassium. Over time, this imbalance can strain the cardiovascular system, increase the risk of stroke or heart disease, and contribute to persistent hypertension that may not respond to standard medications.<\/p>\n

Causes of Primary Hyperaldosteronism<\/h2>\n

Identifying the underlying cause of Conn\u2019s syndrome is essential, as treatment strategies and outcomes differ depending on whether one or both adrenal glands are involved. Advanced diagnostic testing helps determine the exact source of hormone overproduction.<\/p>\n

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Solitary Adrenal Nodule (Aldosteronoma)<\/h3>\n
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Adrenal nodules, or masses, can affect the body\u2019s hormone signals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The most common cause of primary hyperaldosteronism is a small, benign tumor\u2014called an aldosteronoma\u2014affecting one adrenal gland. These nodules are typically less than 2 centimeters in size and produce aldosterone independently of the body\u2019s normal regulatory signals.<\/p>\n

When properly identified, this form of the condition is often highly treatable and may be curable with minimally invasive surgery that removes the over-producing adrenal gland.<\/p>\n

Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia<\/h3>\n

In some patients, both adrenal glands become overactive due to diffuse enlargement, a condition known as bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Rather than a single tumor, hormone excess results from continuous aldosterone production across both glands.<\/p>\n

This form is typically managed with medication rather than surgery and requires ongoing follow-up to optimize blood pressure and potassium levels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Signs and Symptoms of Conn\u2019s Syndrome<\/h2>\n
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High blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue are common symptoms of Conn’s Syndrome.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Symptoms of primary hyperaldosteronism can vary widely and may develop gradually over time. Many patients are diagnosed during evaluation for high blood pressure that remains uncontrolled despite multiple medications.<\/p>\n