Instant insights: Rethinking Primary Aldosteronism Diagnosis

2025-06-02

In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, we take a look at primary aldosteronism (PA)- an often underdiagnosed, yet prevalent cause of hypertension. In this episode, we challenge traditional screening methods and introduce a streamlined diagnostic approach. By recognizing the signs of Primary Aldosteronism earlier, providers can improve patient outcomes and avoid increased risk for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions associated with untreated PA. This episode will Explain the mechanisms underlying...

In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, we take a look at primary aldosteronism (PA)- an often underdiagnosed, yet prevalent cause of hypertension. In this episode, we challenge traditional screening methods and introduce a streamlined diagnostic approach. By recognizing the signs of Primary Aldosteronism earlier, providers can improve patient outcomes and avoid increased risk for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions associated with untreated PA.

This episode will

Explain the mechanisms underlying PA and how they disrupt the normal renin-aldosterone feedback system (1:15)
Highlight the limitations of traditional methodology, including the aldosterone-renin-ratio (ARR) (2:25)
Introduce a streamlined approach focused on the detection of suppressed renin followed by evaluation of aldosterone levels (3:00)
Walk through an example comparing the ARR with the suppressed renin approach for assessing PA (5:05)

To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.

Date: 6/2025

Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD

Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD, Trisha Winchester, PhD, Millicent Kee, NP

Additional Resources:

https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/endocrine-disorders/primary-aldosteronism

Ordering information:

Plasma Renin Activity with Reflex to Aldosterone | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics

References:

Marcelli M, Bi C, Funder JW, McPhaul MJ. Comparing ARR Versus Suppressed PRA as Screening Tests for Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension. 2024;81(10):2072-2081. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.22884

Dogra P, Bancos I, Young WF Jr. Primary Aldosteronism: A Pragmatic Approach to Diagnosis and Management. Mayo Clin Proc. 2023;98(8):1207-1215. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.04.023

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