Adrenal Awareness Month

Aldosterone helps regulate blood pressure by managing the balance of sodium and potassium in your body. When there’s too much aldosterone, the body retains salt, loses potassium, and increases blood pressure.

Most commonly, Conn’s syndrome is caused by a benign tumor on one adrenal gland (an aldosterone-producing adenoma). It can also result from hyperplasia, where both adrenal glands are overactive.

Yes, some people have no obvious symptoms at first. However, even without symptoms, excess aldosterone still causes internal damage over time.

Yes, although it’s less common. Some individuals with Conn’s syndrome may have normal or borderline blood pressure but still experience symptoms like low potassium, muscle cramps, fatigue, or frequent urination. These patients are often overlooked, but they can still benefit from proper diagnosis and treatment. Blood pressure may rise over time if the condition goes unrecognized.

Untreated Conn’s can lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, atrial fibrillation, and early death due to persistently high blood pressure and low potassium.

Most cases are not hereditary, but a rare genetic form called familial hyperaldosteronism can run in families.

Yes. Conn’s syndrome significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular and kidney-related diseases if left untreated. This includes stroke, heart attack, atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), kidney disease, and even early death. Research also shows that patients with Conn’s syndrome are at higher risk for metabolic disorders compared to those with standard (essential) hypertension.

Conn’s syndrome is not rare—in fact, it’s one of the most common causes of secondary hypertension. Research shows that up to 10% of people with high blood pressure may have Conn’s syndrome, yet it remains underdiagnosed and under-recognized. If you have high blood pressure—especially if it’s difficult to control or you have low potassium—it’s important to rule out Conn’s syndrome, even if your doctor hasn’t considered it.

It’s the ratio between two hormones: aldosterone and renin. A high ARR suggests that aldosterone is being produced independently of the body's needs—a hallmark of Conn’s syndrome. Although values can vary by lab, a ratio above 20 (with aldosterone over 15 ng/dL) is often considered suspicious for Conn’s syndrome.

Excess aldosterone causes the kidneys to excrete too much potassium, which can lead to hypokalemia—causing muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue.

Yes. Many patients with Conn’s syndrome maintain normal potassium levels, which is why testing aldosterone and renin is critical—even without low potassium.

The best and most definitive treatment for Conn’s syndrome is surgery to remove the adrenal tumor that is producing excess aldosterone. While medications can help manage symptoms like high blood pressure and low potassium, they do not cure the condition. Surgery addresses the root cause of the disease and offers long-term relief—and often, a complete cure. The most advanced and preferred surgical technique for Conn’s syndrome is the Mini Back Scope Adrenalectomy (MBSA), also known as the Mini Posterior Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy. This minimally invasive procedure removes the tumor through small incisions in the lower back, offering faster recovery, minimal pain, and excellent cosmetic results. When performed by an expert, a Mini Back Scope Adrenalectomy typically takes less than 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure is quick, safe, and highly effective in experienced hands. Visit www.adrenal.com to learn more.