Primary hyperaldosteronism physical examination
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Syed Hassan A. Kazmi BSc, MD [2]
Overview
Overview
Patients with primary hyperaldosteronism usually appear well. Physical examination of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism is usually remarkable for high blood pressure, tachycardia, and an S4 maybe heard on auscultation of the precordium suggesting left ventricular hypertrophy secondary to increased afterload due to hypertension.
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
Appearance of the patient
- Patient is usually well-appearing.
Vital signs
- Normal body temperature
- Tachycardia with irregular pulse[1][2]
- Normal respiratory rate
- High blood pressure may be the only presenting sign
Neck
- No lymphadenopathy
- No thyromegaly
- Elevated JVP
Lungs
Heart
- Point of maximal impulse (PMI) within 2 cm of the sternum
- Normal S1 and S2
- S4 may be heard due to left ventricular hypertrophy[3]
- No gallop rhythm
Neurologic
- Hyperaldosteronism induced hypertension may lead to stroke and paralysis[4]
References
References
- ↑ Zelinka T, Holaj R, Petrák O, Strauch B, Kasalický M, Hanus T, Melenovský V, Vancura V, Bürgelová M, Widimský J (2009). “Life-threatening arrhythmia caused by primary aldosteronism”. Med. Sci. Monit. 15 (12): CS174–7. PMID 19946238.
- ↑ Pella J, Lazúrová I, Javorská B, Trejbal D (1999). “[Conn’s syndrome and severe arrhythmias]”. Vnitr Lek (in Slovak). 45 (4): 228–31. PMID 11045185.
- ↑ du Cailar G (2004). “[Cardiac consequences of primary hyperaldosteronism]”. Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris) (in French). 53 (3): 147–9. PMID 15291171.
- ↑ Nishimura M, Uzu T, Fujii T, Kuroda S, Nakamura S, Inenaga T, Kimura G (1999). “Cardiovascular complications in patients with primary aldosteronism”. Am. J. Kidney Dis. 33 (2): 261–6. PMID 10023636.
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