What are the signs and symptoms of Primary Hyperaldosteronism?

  1. Hypertension (high blood pressure) due to retention of sodium and water by the kidney. This is often asymptomatic, but can cause headaches. If untreated complications such as heart failure will occur. Oedema (swelling around the ankles, the base of the back and other areas) is rare unless heart failure has developed.
  2. Loss of potassium can cause thirst with polydipsia (excessive drinking), polyuria (increased frequency of urination) and nocturia (excessive need to urinate at night).
  3. Potassium loss and alkalosis (increased alkalinity of the blood due to hydrogen ion loss) can also cause paraesthesia (partial loss of sensation of parts of the body), intermittent paralysis and proximal myopathy (weakness of proximal muscles e.g. upper arm and upper leg).
  4. Tachycardia (increased heart rate) can occur without the person feeling palpitations.