Endocrine Society Urges Wider Screening for Common Cause of High Blood Pressure

Experts from the Endocrine Society recommended broader testing for a frequent hormone-related source of hypertension called primary aldosteronism in an updated Clinical Practice Guideline.

Subscribe to our newsletter for the most recent science and technology news updates.

"The Primary Aldosteronism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline" was released digitally and showcased at ENDO 2025 the Society's yearly conference.

A considerable portion of individuals identified with hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, may suffer from an undetected form of primary aldosteronism. It is believed that between 5% and 14% of patients with elevated blood pressure treated in general practice settings, and as many as 30% in specialized clinics, experience primary aldosteronism.

A significant number of people with high blood pressure do not undergo testing for primary aldosteronism. If this disorder remains undiagnosed and untreated, it increases the likelihood of serious cardiovascular issues such as stroke, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and kidney problems.

"Individuals diagnosed with primary aldosteronism have an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those with primary hypertension," stated Gail K. Adler, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the guideline's writing committee, from Brigham and Women's Hospital along with Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.

Using an affordable blood test, we can detect more individuals with primary aldosteronism and make sure they get the right care for their condition.

Primary hyperaldosteronism develops when the adrenal glands—small organs situated atop each kidney—secrete excessive amounts of the hormone aldosterone. This leads to an accumulation of aldosterone within the body, disrupting the regulation of sodium and potassium levels. Elevated blood pressure is usually the sole indication of this disorder.

The recommendations indicate that all individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure should undergo tests for aldosterone, renin, and potassium levels. The guidelines' creators chose to propose widespread testing instead of a more definitive suggestion due to the possibility of inaccurate positive results from the blood test.

The creators of the guidelines recommended that individuals identified with primary aldosteronism undergo therapy tailored to their diagnosis. Available treatments consist of drug-based approaches and surgical interventions.

The directive will be featured in the September 2025 printed edition of The American Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism ( JCEM ) The guidance revises suggestions from the Society's 2016 directive regarding primary aldosteronism.

The Society established its Clinical Practice Guideline Program to offer endocrinologists and other healthcare professionals evidence-backed guidance for identifying, addressing, and managing hormonal disorders. Every guideline is created by a team of specialists from various disciplines who focus on the specific area, following a thorough process. methodology .

Writing panels follow guidelines based on thorough analysis of research findings when formulating their suggestions.

More information: The American Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism

Supplied by The Endocrine Society

This narrative first appeared on Medical Xpress .