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Diseases » Primary Hyperaldosteronism » Glossary

Glossary for Primary Hyperaldosteronism

Adenoma: General term for a benign tumor of a gland
Adrenal hyperplasia: A group of disorder that occur when there is a problem in the process of making adrenal corticosteroids.
Apparent Mineralocorticoid Excess, type 2: A form of inherited high blood pressure that starts during early childhood. The condition is caused by a genetic defect which results in an inborn error of metabolism of peripheral cortisol. Type 2 causes similar symptoms to type 1 but the urinary steroid levels are different.
Apparent mineralocorticoid excess: A form of inherited high blood pressure that starts during early childhood. The condition results from a genetic defect which causes impaired metabolism of cortisol.
Bartter's syndrome, antenatal type 1: A rare genetic kidney disorder that causes hypokalemia. A defect in the NKCC2 gene impairs the functioning of the Na-Cl cotransporter and leads to electrolyte imbalance. The rate of death is high prior to diagnosis.
Congenital chloride diarrhea: A rare birth disorder where the intestines don't absorb electrolytes properly (especially chloride) which leads to electrolyte imbalance which is potentially fatal if untreated. Symptoms often start while the infant is still inside the womb.
Conn's syndrome: An uncommon (but possible highly underdiagnosed) condition characterized by the excessive production of a hormone called aldosterone by the adrenal gland. The condition may result from the presence of an adenoma, carcinoma or enlargement of the adrenal gland or glands. The severity of the condition is variable with some patients simply suffering high blood pressure and no other symptoms. Due to the high degree of variation in presenting symptoms, the condition may be frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Cramps: The painful spasmodic muscular contraction
Cushing's syndrome: A rare syndrome where excessive secretion of corticosteroids by the adrenal cortex leads to a variety of symptoms. Hormone-secreting adrenal or pituitary tumors are often the cause of the excessive corticosteroid secretion.
Diabetes: Failing or reduced ability of the body to handle sugars.
Diabetes-like symptoms: Symptoms similar to those of diabetes
Dilated cardiomyopathy: A rare chronic heart muscle condition where one or both heart ventricles are dilated or have impaired contractility.
Female infertility: Infertility that affects the female
Headache: In medicine a headache or cephalalgia is a symptom of a number of different conditions of the head and sometimes neck. Some of the causes are benign while others are medical emergencies. It ranks among the most common pain complaints
Hemangiopericytoma: A slow growing tumor that develops in deep soft tissues an tends to occur mainly in the abdomen (pelvic retroperitoneum specifically), hips, shoulders, upper arms and upper legs.
Hypernatraemia: increased concentration of sodium in the blood
Hypertension: High blood pressure
Hypokalaemia: Decreased concentration of potassium in the blood
Hypokalemia: Low levels of potassium in the body.
Impaired glucose tolerance: Mild glucose metabolism problems not severe enough to be called diabetes.
Laxative abuse syndrome: Chronic overuse of laxatives resulting in various gastrointestinal symptoms. The condition is considered a variant of Munchausen syndrome.
Malignant hypertension: Malignant hypertension is a condition characterized by very high blood pressure and swelling of the optic nerve. This type of hypertension is more common in people with kidney problems such as narrowed kidney blood vessels. The condition is a medical emergency which can cause organ damage if not treated promptly.
Muscle weakness: A condition which is characterized by an inability of the muscles to function at their full strenght
Nephrotic syndrome: Various kidney glomeruli conditions
Palpitations: The subjective sensation of the beating of the heart at a rapid or irregular rate
Polyuria: Excessive urination during pregnancy.
Renal Artery Stenosis: An abnormal narrowing of the renal artery which is the main artery the supplies the kidney.
Secondary Hypertension: Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure resulting from an underlying cause such as kidney disease. Hypertension is a serious health condition due to the fact that it often causes no symptoms until it is severe.