Withdrawal of endogenous sympathetic drive lowers blood pressure in primary aldosteronism.

We were able to observe the effect of withdrawal of endogenous sympathetic drive in a hypertensive patient with an aldosterone-secreting adrenal adenoma. Acute stimulation of both carotid sinus nerves lowered blood pressure to normotensive or hypotensive levels by reducing peripheral resistance. When chronic carotid sinus nerve stimulation was discontinued, peripheral resistance and blood pressure increased. These data suggest that the sympathetic nervous system is important in the maintenance of hypertension in established primary aldosteronism.