Primary aldosteronism: Treatment of the disease, and new therapeutic approaches.

Primary aldosteronism is currently considered to represent 5-13% of hypertension, yet fewer than 1% of patients with the disorder are ever diagnosed and treated. Current management of patients screened and confirmed positive for primary aldosteronism involves imaging, and with very few exceptions adrenal venous sampling to lateralize (or not) hyperaldosteronism. Unilateral disease is treated by adrenalectomy: bilateral disease by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and conventional antihypertensives as/if required. New therapeutic approaches include (i) routine screening on first presentation for hypertension; (ii) harmonisation of cut-offs for renin and aldosterone, plus use of 24-h urinary rather than spot plasma values for the latter; (iii) adoption of a dexamethasone enhanced seated saline suppression test for confirmation exclusion; (iv) enhanced imaging and steroid profiles as partial replacement for adrenal venous sampling; and finally (v), inclusion of low dose spironolactone in first-line therapy for hypertension.