Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common secondary cause of hypertension. In addition to increased morbidity and mortality, patients with PA may experience impaired quality-of-life (QoL) and mental health.

Fuld et al. compared health-related QoL and prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with unilateral and non-lateralised PA versus hypertensive patients without PA, to identify PA-specific effects. They also evaluated effects of medical and surgical therapy on these parameters among patients with PA. In their prospective, multicentre, international cohort (Australia, Germany and Switzerland) of 925 hypertensive patients tested for PA, those with PA had reduced QoL and higher anxiety levels, but findings were comparable to patients without PA. Improvements in mental and physical QoL and anxiety occurred within 3–6 months after adrenalectomy, whereas no improvements were seen with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) therapy.

These findings suggest unilateral adrenalectomy for unilateral PA improves QoL and anxiety, whereas MRA treatment does not. This indicates potential benefits not only for somatic morbidity and mortality prognosis but also in enhancing patient-reported outcomes.

Read the full article in Clinical Endocrinology https://doi.org/10.1111/cen.70106