•  
  •  
 

Abstract

This paper will give an overview of primary hyperaldosteronism, which is a condition characterized by the excess production of aldosterone from the adrenal glands. Since its discovery in 1954 by James Conn, primary hyperaldosteronism has been discovered to have a variety of causes, with the more common ones being either benign tumors or inherited disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Affected patients display conditions such as hypertension or hypokalemia, which may lead to symptoms including headaches, blurred vision, or dizziness. This paper will cover the anatomy of the adrenal glands, along with the normal physiology and synthesis of aldosterone. Aldosterone’s role in maintaining body electrolyte and fluid homeostasis will also be discussed.

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.