Question

Name three symptoms associated with hyperaldosteronism and explain why they occur

Answer 1

Ans :

Hyperaldosteronism is a medical condition where in too much aldesterone is produced by the adrenal gland , which can lead to lowered levels of potassium in the blood (hypokalemia) and increased hydrogen ion excretion (alkalosis).

Symptoms associated with hyperaldosteronism :

1. Muscle crams

2. Weakness

3. Fatigue

4. Headache

5. High blood pressure

6. Numbness

7. Hypokalemia

8. Alkalosis.

* Explanation-

1. High blood pressure -

In hyperaldosteronism adosterone synthesis Increase , which leads to increased renal sodium reabsorption and increase intravascular volume expansion . It causes renal hyperfiltration and suppress the synsthes of renin.

Due to increased sodium , intravascular expansion and decreased synsthesis of renin blood pressure increases and patient suffering with high blood pressure.

2. Hypokalemia ( low potassium level)-

Excessive secretion of aldesterone causes increase in renal sodium reabsorption and excessive potassium to be excreted into the lumen by principal cells . Because of excessive loss of potassium from body through urine may cause for hypokalemia .

3. Alkalosis -

In alpha , intercalated cells , located in the late distal tubule and collecting duct , hydrogen ion and potassium ions are exchanged. In hyperaldosteronism loss of hydrogen ions in the urine occurs when excess aldosterone increases the activity of a sodium - hydrogen exchange Protein in the kidney. This increase the retention of sodium ions whilst pumping hydrogen ions into the renal tubules. In this way hyperaldosteronism causes metabolic alkalosis.