What is PA?
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a condition caused by overactive adrenal glands, causing the body to create too much of a hormone called aldosterone. This hormone helps the body manage the amount of sodium and potassium in the body.
When aldosterone increases, your body holds on to more water, causing blood pressure to go up.
Where can I find more information about PA?
The following groups are organizations dedicated to helping people with conditions caused by hormone changes in the body:
How do I know if I have PA?
The only way to know for sure is to get tested. While PA is an increasingly common condition, it often goes undiagnosed.
The following could be signs of PA:
- You regularly have a blood pressure greater than 150/100.
- You have a blood pressure greater than 140/90 while taking medication.
- You have high blood pressure and another condition, such as low potassium, benign tumors on your adrenal gland, sleep apnea, or a family history of early onset high blood pressure.
- You have a first-degree relative (such as a parent, child, or sibling) with confirmed PA.
Ask your doctor how you can get tested for PA. If you have been diagnosed with PA, fill out a brief questionnaire to see if you meet some of the study requirements.
