Conn's syndrome (hyperaldosteronism) – symptoms and treatment
Anna Schmidt
2026-03-19
3 min. read
Conn's syndrome (hyperaldosteronism) – symptoms and treatment
49
views
Conn's syndrome is a condition that many people underestimate. Do you urinate frequently? Consult your doctor because you may have Conn's syndrome. Recent blood tests have shown that you have low potassium levels? Do you feel that your muscles are getting weaker despite trying to eat properly? Are you suffering from chronic and resistant to hypertension? In this article, we will try to explain what causes this disease, what its most common indications are, and whether there are effective therapy methods.
Conn's syndrome, alternatively known as hyperaldosteronism, is a disorder caused by an excessive production of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands, which produce the hormone aldosterone, are situated at the upper poles of both kidneys [1]. Excessive secretion of aldosterone may be triggered by the presence of a benign tumor in the adrenal cortex or by abnormal growth of the adrenal gland itself (more than half of cases) [2]. Elevated levels of this hormone can result in the development of Conn's syndrome.
Conn's Syndrome – the clinical features
Aldosterone, a key hormone in regulating the body's water-electrolyte balance, controls sodium levels by reabsorbing it in the renal tubules and increases potassium excretion in urine [3]. Excessive aldosterone activity disrupts the water-electrolyte balance, resulting in hypokalemia (low serum potassium levels) [4][5]. Consequently, the primary clinical features of Conn's Syndrome include muscle weakness, muscle cramps, excessive urination (polyuria), cardiac arrhythmias, increased thirst, and refractory hypertension.
Conn's Syndrome Treatment Approaches
The selection of treatment for Conn's syndrome is directly dependent on the underlying cause of the condition. In cases where an adrenal tumor is identified, adrenalectomy—the surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands—is the standard approach [2]. Due to technological advancements and reduced recovery times, these procedures are now performed laparoscopically [6]. For bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, conservative treatment methods are employed [7]. Pharmacological therapy primarily involves the use of aldosterone receptor antagonists such as spironolactone or eplerenone. The European Society of Cardiology recommends these medications for patients with moderate to severe heart failure, while the 2012 UpToDate guidelines suggest their use only in individuals with potassium levels < 5.0 mEq/l and GFR > 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 [8][9]. In non-pharmacological management, a well-balanced diet plays a crucial role. Therapeutic recommendations include a low-sodium diet (< 2300 mg/day) and a potassium-rich diet (at least 4700 mg/day). Sodium intake can be controlled by reducing salt in meals and avoiding processed seasonings or highly processed foods. Potassium requirements can be met by consuming dried apricots (1666 mg/100g), avocados (600 mg/100g), bananas (395 mg/100g), potatoes (357 mg/100g), kiwis (290 mg/100g), and tomatoes (282 mg/100g) [10][11][12][13].
Tags