Treatment:

Primary hyperaldosteronism caused by a tumor is usually treated with surgery. Removing adrenal tumors may control the symptoms. Even after surgery, some people still have high blood pressure and need to take medication. However, they can often reduce the number of medications or doses they take.

Watching how much salt you eat and taking medication may control the symptoms without surgery. Medications used to treat hyperaldosteronism include:

• Amiloride
• Spironolactone (Aldactone; Aldactazide), a diuretic ("water pill")
• Triamterene

Medicines and diet (but not surgery) are used to treat secondary hyperaldosteronism.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook for primary hyperaldosteronism is good with early diagnosis and treatment.

The outlook for secondary hyperaldosteronism depends on the cause of the condition.

Complications:

Impotence and gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men) may occur with long-term spironolactone treatment in men, but this is uncommon.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of hyperaldosteronism.