[Primary aldosteronism - why is it still underdiagnosed in clinical practice?].

Primary aldosteronism (PA) represents the leading cause of endocrine hypertension, accounting for 4-13 % of all cases. Simultaneously, it is the most common endocrine form of hypertension that can be cured by surgery. Estimates suggest that 2.5 million people in Germany are affected, yet only 8 % of hypertensive patients undergo the proper diagnostic screening for PA. The diagnosis of PA is evidently not taken into account sufficiently when it comes to the everyday management of hypertension. Since PA patients carry an increased risk of cardio- and cerebrovascular events as well as metabolic comorbidities, early screening and diagnosis is crucial.This manuscript highlights the current guidelines of screening and diagnosing PA and addresses some currently published findings regarding this area. The aim is to raise awareness when it comes to diagnosing and screening for PA in the everyday management of hypertensive patients.