Screening Hypertensive Patients for Hyperaldosteronism

Estimates of the prevalence of primary aldosteronism in the hypertensive population vary considerably, depending in part on the ability to recognize the condition. The finding of spontaneous hypokalemia in a hypertensive patient has generally led to definitive diagnostic studies. Conn and his associates1 have reported a number of cases of primary aldosteronism in which the serum potassium levels were within the normal range on repeated examination. It has long been appreciated that patients with primary aldosteronism may exhibit positive potassium balance periodically and especially when sodium intake is restricted. The clinical features of "normokalemic" aldosteronism do not distinguish it from . . .