Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Primary hyperaldosteronism physical examination
Introduction
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.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Syed Hassan A. Kazmi BSc, MD [2]