The Control of Aldosterone Secretion and Its Relationship to the Diagnosis of Hyperaldosteronism

Abstract

Current concepts of the control of aldosterone secretion in man have been reviewed with particular reference to the role of the kidney. On the basis of these concepts, it is concluded that hyperaldosteronism is most conveniently diagnosed by repeated estimation of plasma potassium, which is usually persistently or intermittently reduced in this disease. Occasional cases fail to show hypokalaemia. Distinction between primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism is made by means of measurement of plasma renin concentration. Subnormal values are usually obtained in the first instance and supranormal values in the second.