PP.09.16: 24-HOUR CENTRAL SYSTOLIC AORTIC BLOOD PRESSURE IN ALDOSTERONISM, ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION AND NORMOTENSION

Objective: Primary aldosteronism is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. It accounts for approximately 10% of cases of hypertension and is caused either by bilateral adrenal hyperplasia or aldosterone-producing adenomas. The aim of the present study was to compare 24-hour central aortic systolic blood pressure (SBPao) levels in aldosteronism, essential hypertension and normotensive subjects. In conclusion, differential diagnosis between aldosteronism and essential hypertension should not be based on hypertension levels, but rather in other clinical characteristics such as low serum potassium. Design and method: We recruited fifteen patients with aldosteronism and age, gender and body mass index (BMI)-matched hypertensive and normotensive subjects. Measurement of SBPao was done by the Arteriograph device (TensionMed, Ltd, Budapest, Hungary). Comparison of the means was conducted by the analysis of covariance (ANOVA). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean SBPao was significantly lower between aldosteronism and controls (mean difference 41. 0 ± 15.5mmHg, p < 0.05) and essential hypertension and controls (mean difference 42.6, p < 0.05). SBPao however was comparable between age, gender and BMI-matched subjects with aldosteronism and essential hypertension. Serum potassium levels were significantly lower in aldosteronism compared to the other two study groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, differential diagnosis between aldosteronism and essential hypertension should not be based on hypertension levels, but rather in other clinical characteristics such as low serum potassium.