The main signs of primary aldosteronism are:

• Moderate to severe high blood pressure
• High blood pressure that takes several medications to control (resistant hypertension)
• High blood pressure along with a low potassium level (hypokalemia)

Common conditions causing the overproduction of aldosterone include:

• A benign growth in an adrenal gland (aldosterone-producing adenoma) — a condition also known as Conn's syndrome
• Overactivity of both adrenal glands (idiopathic hyperaldosteronism)

In rare cases, primary aldosteronism may be caused by:

• A cancerous (malignant) growth of the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland (adrenal cortical carcinoma)
• A rare type of primary aldosteronism called glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism that runs in families and causes high blood pressure in children and young adults

Primary aldosteronism can lead to high blood pressure and low potassium levels. These complications in turn can lead to other problems.

Problems related to high blood pressure

Persistently elevated blood pressure can lead to problems with your heart and kidneys, including:

• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Left ventricular hypertrophy — enlargement of the muscle that makes up the wall of the left ventricle, one of your heart's pumping chambers
• Stroke
• Kidney disease or kidney failure
• Premature death

High blood pressure caused by primary aldosteronism carries a higher risk of cardiovascular complications than do other types of high blood pressure. This excess risk is due to the high aldosterone levels, which can cause heart and blood vessel damage independent of complications related to high blood pressure.

Problems related to low potassium levels

Some, but not all, people with primary aldosteronism have low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Mild hypokalemia may not cause any symptoms, but very low levels of potassium can lead to:

• Weakness
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Muscle cramps
• Excess thirst or urination