Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is an endocrine disorder caused by excessive production of
aldosterone by the adrenal glands, and is recognized as the most important cause
of endocrine hypertension. With specific therapy, this type of hypertension is
potentially curable. In the general population, high salt intake increases the
risk for cardiovascular diseases like stroke. In populations with aldosterone
excess, observational and experimental data suggest that aldosterone-induced
organ damage requires a combination of high dietary salt intake and high plasma
aldosterone, i.e., plasma aldosterone levels inappropriately high for salt
status. Therefore, understanding the relationship between plasma aldosterone
levels and dietary salt intake and the nature of their combined effects is
crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. In this
review, we present an update on findings about primary aldosteronism and salt
intake and the underlying mechanisms governing their interaction.
Key words
sodium - mineralocorticoid - DOCA - salt restriction - inflammation - cardiovascular damage
