Overactive Adrenal Gland: Symptoms and Signs of Conn's Syndrome

If you have an overactive adrenal gland, also known as primary hyperaldosteronism or Conn's syndrome, you may not experience any noticeable symptoms at first. However, it's essential to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms that can occur if you're diagnosed with this condition.

Variable Symptoms

The symptoms of primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) can vary from person to person. While some patients may feel normal, others may experience high blood pressure as their only symptom. In fact, nearly 50% of people with primary hyperaldosteronism are asymptomatic, meaning they don't exhibit any noticeable symptoms.

High Blood Pressure

One of the most common signs of Conn's syndrome is high blood pressure. This can be especially concerning if you're relatively young and have no other risk factors such as diabetes or a family history of hypertension. If you have high blood pressure and are under 50, it's crucial to get checked for an adrenal tumor that may be producing excess aldosterone.

Other Symptoms

In addition to high blood pressure, Conn's syndrome can cause a range of symptoms including fatigue, anxiety, depression, headaches, and memory difficulties. These neurocognitive symptoms can significantly impact your daily life and quality of sleep.

Physical Symptoms

If you have an overactive adrenal gland, you may also experience physical symptoms such as:

* Low potassium levels in the blood (leading to frequent urination)

* Muscle cramps

* Heart palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing)

The Importance of Screening

It's crucial to get screened for Conn's syndrome if you have high blood pressure and are under 50. This condition can increase your risk of heart arrhythmias, stroke, and heart attacks by tenfold if left untreated.

Conn's syndrome is a condition where the adrenal gland produces excess aldosterone, leading to high blood pressure and other symptoms. While some people may not experience any noticeable symptoms, others may exhibit a range of physical and neurocognitive symptoms. If you have high blood pressure and are under 50, it's essential to get screened for Conn's syndrome to rule out an adrenal tumor producing excess aldosterone.

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