Aldosterone and Hypertension

Abstract

In hypertensive patients, a serum potassium determination is the best single screening test for primary aldosteronism—a condition correctable by surgery. If the patient is taking diuretics, they should be stopped for one week, and sodium and potassium measured in a 24 hour urine collection. Decreased plasma renin also indicates primary aldosteronism, but only a few laboratories measure this substance.