Testing for Primary Aldosteronism and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Use Among U.S. Veterans : A Retrospective Cohort Study

Elderly men are underscreened for primary aldosteronism even in Hypertension Excellence Centre

Purpose The Endocrine Society (ES) guidelines recommend screening for primary aldosteronism (PA) in high risk hypertensive patients presenting with at least one of seven criteria (resistant HTN, hypokalaemia, adrenal nodule, etc.) Although guidelines are clear and screening is simple, compliance rates among clinicians are extremely low. This results in underdiagnosis of early disease, leading to cadiovasculaer complications and the extra-burden of advanced chronic kidney disease. We aimed to evaluate the screening rates in our Nephrology and Hypertension clinics, as an example of a dedicated Hypertension Excellence Centre. Materials and methods Data on adult hypertensive patients was retrieved from January 2018 to December 2020. Included in the study were hypertensive patients who had at least one of the ES criteria for PA screening. Of all suitable patients, we compared those who were screened for PA to patients who were not screened. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were used for comparison between groups. Results Of 661 patients with HTN, 218 patients (33%) met the ES guidelines for PA screening. Forty-six of them (21.1%) were referred for screening. Advanced age and male gender were associated with lower screening referral rates. Odds ratio for age was 0.945 for every year (95% CI 0.915 - 0.975). There was a trend towards decreased referral rate in advanced kidney disease. Conclusions A 21% screening rate, suggests that many cases of PA are likely missed, more often in older patients. We therefore advocate for PA screening of all hypertensive patients, especially elderly patients with CKD, in whom clinicians' awareness is low but the absolute risk is high.

Comparing ARR Versus Suppressed PRA as Screening Tests for Primary Aldosteronism

BACKGROUND

In many practices, the screening for primary aldosteronism relies on a single-blood draw for plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and plasma renin activity (PRA) to establish an aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR). ARR levels vary between expert centers and repeated assays in the same individual, emphasizing the potential variability of this screening approach. A suppressed PRA to <1 ng/mL per h has been proposed as an alternative test to the ARR.

METHODS

We compared 2 potential screening approaches to identify probable primary aldosteronism (ARR≥30 or ARR≥20 versus PRA suppressed below 1 ng/mL per h) in a cohort of 94 829 paired PRA and PAC samples submitted by clinicians to evaluate the presence of primary aldosteronism.

RESULTS

Of 94 829 patients, 20.3% tested positive based on ARR≥20 (95% CI, 20.0%-20.5%), 13.9% based on ARR≥30 (95% CI, 13.6%-14.1%), versus 45.9% based on suppressed PRA (<1 ng/mL per minute [95% CI, 45.5%-46.2%]). In the PRA group, a range of aldosterone levels was observed: 5.5% had PAC >15 ng/dL, 25.2% had PAC 5 to 15 ng/dL, and 15.2% had PAC <5 ng/dL, compared with 6%, 12.7%, and 1.6% in the ARR≥20 group and 4.7%, 8.5%, and 0.7% in the ARR≥30 group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of individuals being screened for primary aldosteronism, substantially more individuals were identified using criteria focused on suppression of renin activity compared with using the aldosterone renin ratio as a screening tool.

Predictors of daytime blood pressure, nighttime blood pressure, and nocturnal dipping in patients with chronic kidney disease

Increasing attention has recently been paid to discrepancies between office and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) control in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but information on mechanisms underlying circadian BP variations in CKD remains scarce. We described circadian BP patterns and their predictors in patients with CKD stages 1 to 5 referred for kidney function testing in a French tertiary hospital: 1122 ambulatory BP measurements from 635 participants. Factors associated with daytime and nighttime systolic BP (SBP) as well as with nocturnal SBP dipping (ratio of average nighttime to daytime SBP) were analyzed with linear mixed regression models. Participants (mean age 55 ± 16 years; 36% female, mean GFR 51 ± 22 mL/min/1.73m2) had a mean daytime and nighttime SBP of 130 ± 17 and 118 ± 18 mm Hg, respectively. The prevalence of impaired dipping (nighttime over daytime SBP ratio ≥ 0.9) increased from 32% in CKD stage 1 to 68% in CKD stages 4-5. After multivariable adjustment, measured GFR, diabetes, and sub-Saharan African origin were more strongly associated with nighttime than with daytime SBP, which led to significant associations with altered nocturnal BP dipping. For a 1 SD decrease in measured GFR, nighttime BP was 2.87 mmHg (95%CI, 1.44-4.30) higher and nocturnal SBP dipping ratio was 1.55% higher (95%CI, 0.85-2.26%). In conclusion, the prevalence of impaired nocturnal BP dipping increases substantially across the spectrum of CKD. Along with sub-Saharan African origin and diabetes, lower measured GFR was a robust and specific predictor of higher nighttime BP and blunted nocturnal BP decline.

Primary Aldosteronism and Risk of Cardiovascular Outcomes: Genome-Wide Association and Mendelian Randomization Study

BACKGROUND

Observational studies have reported associations between primary aldosteronism (PA) and cardiovascular outcomes, including coronary artery diseases (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and stroke. However, establishing causality remains a challenge due to the lack of randomized controlled trial data on this topic. We thus aimed to investigate the causal relationship between PA and the risk of developing CAD, CHF, and stroke.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Cross-ancestry meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies combining East Asian and European ancestry (1560 PA cases and 742 139 controls) was conducted to identify single-nucleotide variants that are associated with PA. Then, using the identified genetic variants as instrumental variables, we conducted the 2-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to investigate the causal relationship between PA and incident CAD, CHF, and stroke among both East Asian and European ancestry. Summary association results were extracted from large genome-wide association studies consortia. Our cross-ancestry meta-analysis of East Asian and European populations identified 7 genetic loci significantly associated with the risk of PA, for which the genes nearest to the lead variants were CASZ1, WNT2B, HOTTIP, LSP1, TBX3, RXFP2, and NDP. Among the East Asian population, the pooled odds ratio estimates using these 7 genetic instruments of PA were 1.07 (95% CI, 1.03-1.11) for CAD, 1.10 (95% CI, 1.01-1.20) for CHF, and 1.13 (95% CI, 1.09-1.18) for stroke. The results were consistent among the European population.

CONCLUSIONS

Our 2-sample Mendelian randomization study revealed that PA had increased risks of CAD, CHF, and stroke. These findings highlight that early and active screening of PA is critical to prevent future cardiovascular events.

Prolonged Hypokalemia and Delayed Diagnosis of Primary Aldosteronism: Clinical Course and Risk Factors

CONTEXT

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common cause of hypertension (HT). However, diagnosis is often delayed, leading to poorer clinical outcomes. Hypokalemia with HT is characteristic of PA, and is an indication for screening.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated if patients with PA had prolonged hypokalemia before diagnosis, the subsequent biochemical/clinical control, and factors associated with delayed diagnosis.

METHODS

Our study included all PA patients with hypokalemia diagnosed between 2001 and 2022. Delayed diagnosis was defined as duration of hypokalemia of more than 1 year from first occurrence to first evaluation by a PA specialist. Patients were reassessed post adrenalectomy using the Primary Aldosteronism Surgery Outcomes criteria. We performed multivariable analysis to assess for factors associated with delayed diagnosis.

RESULTS

Among 240 patients with PA who presented with hypokalemia, 122 (51%) patients had delayed diagnosis, with prolonged hypokalemia of median duration 4.5 years (range, 2.4-7.5 years). Patients with delayed diagnosis were older, had longer duration of HT, higher pill burden, lower renal function, and more prevalent cardiovascular disease. Factors associated with delayed diagnosis included older age, presence of hyperlipidemia, and less severe hypokalemia (serum potassium >3.0 mmol/L). Compared to patients with early diagnosis, a lower proportion of those with delayed diagnosis underwent adrenal vein sampling (73% vs 58%) (P < .05). Sixty of 118 (50.8%) nondelayed, and 39 of 122 (32.0%) patients with delayed diagnosis, underwent surgery.

CONCLUSION

Despite manifestation of hypokalemia, many patients with PA fail to be promptly screened. Greater emphasis in HT guidelines, and efforts to improve awareness of PA among primary care physicians, are urgently needed.

Best Practice Alert to Promote Screening for Primary Aldosteronism Among People With Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Guidelines recommend screening all individuals with resistant hypertension for primary aldosteronism (PA) but less than 2% are screened. We aimed to develop a noninterruptive Best Practice Alert (BPA) to assess if its implementation in the electronic health record improved PA screening rates among individuals with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH).

METHODS

We implemented a noninterruptive BPA on 9/17/2022 at our ambulatory primary care, endocrinology, nephrology, and cardiology clinics. We assessed clinical parameters of people with aTRH before (9/17/2021-9/16/2022) and after (9/17/2022-9/16/2023) the BPA was implemented. The noninterruptive BPA embedded with an order set identified people with aTRH and recommended screening for PA if it was not previously performed.

RESULTS

There were 10 944 and 11 463 people with aTRH who attended office visits during the 12 months before and after the BPA implementation, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in median age (P = .096), sex (P = .577), race (P = .753), and ethnicity (P = .472) between the pre- and post-BPA implementation groups. There was a significant increase in PA screening orders placed (227 [2.1%] vs 476 [4.2%], P < .001) and PA screening labs performed (169 [1.5%] vs 382 [3.3, P < .001) after BPA implementation. PA screening tests were positive in 26% (44/169) and 23% (88/382) of people in the pre- and post-BPA groups, respectively (P = .447).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a real-time electronic health record BPA doubled the screening rate for PA among people with aTRH; however, the overall screening rate was low.

Screening for primary aldosteronism in primary care: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common treatable and potentially curable cause of secondary hypertension. Prompt diagnosis and management by primary care physicians (PCPs) is important given the increased risk of cardiovascular complications however screening rates are low in primary care. Our aim was to identify factors that influence screening behaviour for PA among PCPs.

METHOD

A rigorous scoping review of seven databases between 16/08/22 and 09/08/23 was used to investigate PA screening practices. Articles written in English from peer-reviewed literature within the last 20 years were eligible for inclusion if an aspect of their study was conducted in primary care.

RESULTS

A total of 1380 titles and abstracts, and 61 full texts were screened, with 20 studies selected for data extraction. We identified three broad categories of factors influencing screening by PCPs-the patient, the clinician, and the healthcare system. Some studies targeted these factors to improve screening rates although there is little data on implementation and outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Low awareness, inadequate guidelines, and poor access to testing were identified as key barriers to PA screening. Targeted education sessions for PCPs, clear guidelines, and closer proximity to diagnostic centres may be required to improve PA detection in primary care.

Prevalence and factors associated with masked hypertension in chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVES

Optimal blood pressure (BP) control is key to prevent cardiovascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We described the prevalence and factors associated with masked hypertension in CKD.

METHODS

We analyzed 1113 ambulatory 24-h BP monitoring (ABPM) records of 632 patients referred for kidney function evaluation. Masked hypertension was defined as office BP less than 140/90 mmHg but daytime BP at least 135/85 mmHg or nighttime BP at least 120/70 mmHg. Factors associated with masked hypertension were assessed with mixed logistic regression models.

RESULTS

At inclusion, 424 patients (67%) had controlled office BP, of whom 56% had masked hypertension. In multivariable analysis conducted in all visits with controlled office BP ( n  = 782), masked hypertension was positively associated with male sex [adjusted OR (95% confidence interval) 1.91 (1.16-3.27)], sub-Saharan African origin [2.51 (1.32-4.63)], BMI [1.11 (1.01-1.17) per 1 kg/m 2 ], and albuminuria [1.29 [1.12 - 1.47] per 1 log unit), and was negatively associated with plasma potassium (0.42 [0.29 - 0.71] per 1 mmol/L) and 24-h urinary potassium excretion (0.91 [0.82 - 0.99] per 10 mmol/24 h) as well as the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) blockers (0.56 [0.31 - 0.97]) and diuretics (0.41 [0.27 - 0.72]).

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the routine use of ABPM in CKD, as more than half of the patients with controlled office BP had masked hypertension. Weight control, higher potassium intake (with caution in advanced CKD), correction of hypokalemia, and larger use of diuretics and RAAS blockers could be potential levers for better out-of-office BP control.

Resident-led improvement project to screen for primary hyperaldosteronism in patients with resistant hypertension in an outpatient clinic

Clinical practice guidelines recommend screening for primary hyperaldosteronism (PH) in patients with resistant hypertension. However, screening rates are low in the outpatient setting. We sought to increase screening rates for PH in patients with resistant hypertension in our Veterans Affairs (VA) outpatient resident physician clinic, with the goal of improving blood pressure control. Patients with possible resistant hypertension were identified through a VA Primary Care Almanac Metric query, with subsequent chart review for resistant hypertension criteria. Three sequential patient-directed cycles were implemented using rapid cycle improvement methodology during a weekly dedicated resident quality improvement half-day. In the first cycle, patients with resistant hypertension had preclinic PH screening labs ordered and were scheduled in the clinic for hypertension follow-up. In the second cycle, patients without screening labs completed were called to confirm medication adherence and counselled to screen for PH. In the third cycle, patients with positive screening labs were called to discuss mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) initiation and possible endocrinology referral. Of 97 patients initially identified, 58 (60%) were found to have resistant hypertension while 39 had pseudoresistant hypertension from medication non-adherence. Of the 58 with resistant hypertension, 44 had not previously been screened for PH while 14 (24%) had already been screened or were already taking an MRA. Our screening rate for PH in resistant hypertension patients increased from 24% at the start of the project to 84% (37/44) after two cycles. Of the 37 tested, 24% (9/37) screened positive for PH, and 5 patients were started on MRAs. This resident-led quality improvement project demonstrated that a focused intervention process can improve PH identification and treatment.

Cardiovascular Dynamics in HIV: The Influence of Adrenal Function and Nutritional Status

This interdisciplinary review explores the intricate nexus between HIV infection, nutrition, adrenal gland function, and cardiovascular health, highlighting a critical aspect of HIV management often overlooked in current literature. With the advent of antiretroviral therapy, the life expectancy of people living with HIV has dramatically improved, transforming HIV into a manageable chronic condition. However, this success brings forth new challenges, notably an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases among people living with HIV. We examine the normal physiology of the adrenal gland, including its role in mineral metabolism, a crucial facet of nutrition. We discuss the evolution of knowledge tying adrenal pathology to cardiovascular disease. We explore the impact of HIV on adrenal gland findings from a gross pathology perspective, as well as the clinical impact of adrenal insufficiency in HIV. The review further elucidates the role of nutrition in this context, considering the double burden of undernutrition and obesity prevalent in regions heavily affected by HIV. By aggregating findings from longitudinal studies and recent clinical trials, the review presents compelling evidence of increased cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV compared with people without HIV. It highlights the critical role of the adrenal glands in regulating nutrient metabolism and its implications for cardiovascular health, drawing attention to the potential for dietary interventions and targeted therapies to mitigate these risks. This review urges a paradigm shift in the management of HIV, advocating for a holistic approach that incorporates nutritional assessment and interventions into routine HIV care to address the complex interplay between HIV, adrenal function, and cardiovascular health. Through this lens, we offer insights into novel therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk in people living with HIV, contributing to the ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life and longevity in this population.

Overview of the Evolution of Hypertension: From Ancient Chinese Emperors to Today

Hypertension is one of the most commonly treated conditions in modern medical practice, but despite its long history, it was largely ignored until the midpoint of the 20th century. This article will review the origins of elevated blood pressure from when it was first appreciated in 2600 BC to its most recent emerging treatments. Awareness of sustained elevations in blood pressure goes back to the Chinese Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (2600 BC); even then, salt was appreciated as a contributor to elevated pressure. Early treatments included acupuncture, venesection, and bleeding by leeches. About 1000 years later, the association between the palpated pulse and the development of heart and brain diseases was described by Ebers Papyrus (1550 BC). But really, it has only been since well after World War II that hypertension has finally been appreciated as the cause of so much heart, stroke, and kidney disease. We review the development of effective treatments for hypertension while acknowledging that so many people with hypertension in need of treatment have unacceptably poor blood pressure control. We explore why, despite our considerable and growing knowledge of hypertension, it remains a significant public health problem globally.

Comparison of different medical treatments for primary hyperaldosteronism: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

The effectiveness and side effects between different medical treatments in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism have not been systematically studied.

Objective

To analyze the efficacy between different mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) and epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) inhibitors in a network meta-analysis (NMA) framework, while also evaluating adverse events.

Design

Systematic review and NMA.

Data sources and methods

The systematic review and NMA was reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, MEDLINE, the Cochrane library, and Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adult patients with primary hyperaldosteronism until 23 June 2023. Studies that compared the efficacy and side effects of different medical treatments of primary hyperaldosteronism were included. The primary outcomes included the effect on blood pressure, serum potassium, and major adverse cardiovascular events. The secondary outcomes were adverse events related to MRAs (hyperkalemia and gynecomastia). Frequentist NMA and pairwise meta-analysis were conducted.

Results

A total of 5 RCTs comprising 392 participants were included. Eplerenone, esaxerenone, and amiloride were compared to spironolactone and demonstrated comparable effect on the reduction of systolic blood pressure. In comparison to spironolactone, eplerenone exhibited a less pronounced effect on reducing diastolic blood pressure [-4.63 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI): -8.87 to -0.40 mmHg] and correcting serum potassium (-0.2 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.37 to -0.03 mg/dL). Spironolactone presented a higher risk of gynecomastia compared with eplerenone (relative risk: 4.69; 95% CI: 3.58-6.14).

Conclusion

The present NMA indicated that the blood pressure reduction and potassium-correcting effects of the three MRAs may demonstrate marginal differences, with confidence levels in the evidence being very low. Therefore, further research is needed to explore the efficacy of these MRAs, especially regarding their impact on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes.

Trial registration

PROSPERO (CRD: 42023446811).

Hyperaldosteronism Screening and Findings From a Large Diverse Population With Resistant Hypertension Within an Integrated Health System

INTRODUCTION

Hyperaldosteronism (HA) is a common cause of secondary hypertension and may contribute to resistant hypertension (RH). The authors sought to determine and characterize HA screening, positivity rates, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) use among patients with RH.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed within Kaiser Permanente Southern California (7/1/2012-6/30/2017). Using contemporary criteria, RH was defined as blood pressure uncontrolled (≥ 130/80) on ≥ 3 medications or requiring ≥ 4 antihypertensive medications. The primary outcome was screening rate for HA defined as any aldosterone and plasma renin activity measurement. Secondary outcomes were HA screen positive rates and MRA use among all patients with RH. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratio (with 95% confidence intervals) for factors associated with HA screening and for patients that screened positive.

RESULTS

Among 102,480 patients identified as RH, 1977 (1.9%) were screened for HA and 727 (36.8%) screened positive for HA. MRA use was 6.5% among all patients with RH (22.5% among screened, 31.2% among screened positive). Black race, potassium < 4, bicarbonate > 29, chronic kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and systolic blood pressure were associated with HA screening, but only Black race (1.55 [1.20-2.01]), potassium (1.82 [1.48-2.24]), bicarbonate levels (1.39 [1.10-1.75]), and diastolic blood pressure (1.15 [1.03-1.29]) were associated with positive screenings.

CONCLUSION

The authors' findings demonstrate low screening rates for HA among patients with difficult-to-control hypertension yet a high positivity rate among those screened. Factors associated with screening did not always correlate with screening positive. Screening and targeted use of MRA may lead to improved blood pressure control and outcomes among patients with RH.

Evaluation of screening practices for primary hyperaldosteronism by specialists and general practitioners: an observational, cross-sectional study

Objective

Despite its recognized importance, primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA) remains an underdiagnosed condition in clinical practice. The objective of the present study was to evaluate PHA screening practices by general practitioners and specialists in endocrinology and cardiology.

Subjects and methods

This cross-sectional, observational study invited physicians to respond voluntarily to an online survey. The survey collected the respondents' sociodemographic data and answers to five hypothetical clinical cases meeting Endocrine Society criteria for PHA screening.

Results

In all, 126 physicians responded to the online survey. Endocrinologists were the specialists who most often chose PHA screening, although the screening rates were overall low, ranging from 36.5% to 92.9%, depending on the case and the respondents' specialty. The survey also assessed the reasons for not choosing PHA screening, which included limited availability of tests within the public health services, interference of antihypertensive medications on hormone levels, and failure to identify the screening indication. Being an endocrinologist was an independent predictor for choosing PHA screening for the patients in Cases #1 and #5 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion

Endocrinologists were the specialists who most often chose PHA screening, although the screening rates were overall low among all specialists. These findings highlight a need for continuing medical education programs addressing PHA screening and making the diagnosis of PHA more present in the daily clinical practice of physicians treating patients with hypertension.

2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2024 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2023 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. The AHA strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional global data, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Hypertension in the emergency department: A missed opportunity to screen for primary aldosteronism?

OBJECTIVES

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common but underdiagnosed secondary cause of hypertension. Emergency departments (EDs) often assess patients with severe hypertension or its sequelae, some of whom have underlying PA. We aimed to determine the proportion of patients presenting to the ED with hypertension who meet the Endocrine Society criteria for PA testing and the proportion who were screened.

METHODS

We performed a structured retrospective chart review of adults who presented to three EDs in an Australian tertiary health network between August 2019 and February 2020, with a coded presenting complaint of hypertension. Clinical parameters to determine whether the patients met the criteria for PA testing were extracted from electronic medical records.

RESULTS

Of the 418 patients who presented to the EDs with documented elevated blood pressure (BP), 181 patients (43.3%) fulfilled PA screening criteria and nine patients (2.2%) underwent PA testing. Individuals who fulfilled screening criteria were older; had higher prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and congestive heart failure; took more antihypertensive medications; and had lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. Individuals who were tested for PA were younger and had higher BP on presentation. Screening for PA was more frequent in patients who were referred to medical teams.

CONCLUSIONS

As far as we are aware, our study is the first to evaluate PA testing in hypertensive patients who present to ED. More than 40% of adults presenting to the EDs with hypertension met the current criteria for testing for PA but only few were tested. These results emphasize that increased awareness of PA in the ED is needed to encourage opportunistic testing, referral, and treatment, especially in patients who present with hypertensive emergencies. Prospective studies are required to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of this.

Evaluation of a Best-Practice Advisory for Primary Aldosteronism Screening

Importance

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common cause of secondary hypertension and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Fewer than 2% to 4% of patients at risk are evaluated for PA.

Objective

To develop and evaluate an electronic health record best-practice advisory (BPA) that assists with PA screening.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective quality improvement study was conducted at academic center outpatient clinics. Data analysis was performed between February and June 2023 and included adults with hypertension and at least 1 of the following: 4 or more current antihypertensive medications; hypokalemia; age younger than 35 years; or adrenal nodule(s). Patients previously tested for PA were excluded.

Exposure

A noninterruptive BPA was developed to trigger for PA screening candidates seen in outpatient setting by clinicians who treat hypertension. The BPA included an order set for PA screening and a link to results interpretation guidance.

Main Outcomes and Measures

(1) The number of PA screening candidates identified by the BPA between October 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022; (2) the rates of PA screening; and (3) the BPA use patterns, stratified by physician specialty were assessed.

Results

Over 15 months, the BPA identified 14 603 unique candidates (mean [SD] age, 65.5 [16.9] years; 7300 women [49.9%]; 371 [2.5%] Asian, 2383 [16.3%] Black, and 11 225 [76.9%] White individuals) for PA screening, including 7028 (48.1%) with treatment-resistant hypertension, 6351 (43.5%) with hypokalemia, 1537 (10.5%) younger than 35 years, and 445 (3.1%) with adrenal nodule(s). In total, 2040 patients (14.0%) received orders for PA screening. Of these, 1439 patients (70.5%) completed the recommended screening within the system, and 250 (17.4%) had positive screening results. Most screening orders were placed by internists (40.0%) and family medicine physicians (28.1%). Family practitioners (80.3%) and internists (68.9%) placed most orders via the embedded order set, while specialists placed most orders (83.0%-95.4%) outside the BPA. Patients who received screening were younger and included more women and Black patients than those not screened. The likelihood of screening was higher among patients with obesity and dyslipidemia and lower in those with chronic kidney disease and established cardiovascular complications.

Conclusions and Relevance

The study results suggest that noninterruptive BPAs are potentially promising PA screening-assistance tools, particularly among primary care physicians. Combined with artificial intelligence algorithms that optimize the detection yield, refined BPAs may contribute to personalized hypertension care.

Diagnostic Delay and Disease Burden in Primary Aldosteronism: An International Patient Survey

BACKGROUND

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common but underdiagnosed cause of hypertension. Many patients experience preventable end-organ injury due to delayed or missed diagnosis but data on the experience of patients are limited.

METHODS

We evaluated the lived experience of PA and determines factors associated with diagnostic delay through an international anonymous online cross-sectional survey, codesigned by researchers and PA consumers. We distributed the survey through academic medical centers, Amazon Mechanical Turk, Twitter, PA patient advocacy groups, and hypertension support groups on Facebook between March 21 and June 5, 2022.

RESULTS

Of 684 eligible respondents, 66.5% were women. Diagnostic delay (defined as ≥5 years between the diagnosis of hypertension and PA) was reported in 35.6%. Delay was more likely in women than in men (odds ratio, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.10-2.20]) and respondents with ≥3 comorbidities versus none (odds ratio, 1.77 [95% CI, 1.05-3.02]), ≥10 symptoms versus none (odds ratio, 2.73 [95% CI, 1.74-4.44]), and on ≥4 antihypertensive medications versus none (odds ratio, 18.23 [95% CI, 6.24-77.72]). Three-quarters of patients (74.4%) experienced reduced symptom burden following targeted PA treatment. Quality of life improved in 62.3% of patients, and greater improvement was associated with being a woman (odds ratio, 1.42, [95% CI, 1.02-1.97]), receiving adrenalectomy (odds ratio, 2.36 [95% CI, 1.67-3.35]), and taking fewer antihypertensive medications following diagnosis (odds ratio, 5.28 [95% CI, 3.55-7.90]).

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of patients with PA experienced prolonged diagnostic delays. Targeted treatment led to reduced symptom burden and improved quality of life. Gender differences in diagnostic delay and symptom burden are prominent. These findings suggest that routine screening for PA at the onset of hypertension may reduce diagnostic delay and facilitate timely diagnosis.

Subclinical Primary Aldosteronism and Cardiovascular Health: A Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Primary aldosteronism, characterized by overt renin-independent aldosterone production, is a common but underrecognized form of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Growing evidence suggests that milder and subclinical forms of primary aldosteronism are highly prevalent, yet their contribution to cardiovascular disease is not well characterized.

METHODS

This prospective study included 1284 participants between the ages of 40 and 69 years from the randomly sampled population-based CARTaGENE cohort (Québec, Canada). Regression models were used to analyze associations of aldosterone, renin, and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio with the following measures of cardiovascular health: arterial stiffness, assessed by central blood pressure (BP) and pulse wave velocity; adverse cardiac remodeling, captured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, including indexed maximum left atrial volume, left ventricular mass index, left ventricular remodeling index, and left ventricular hypertrophy; and incident hypertension.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age of participants was 54 (8) years and 51% were men. The mean (SD) systolic and diastolic BP were 123 (15) and 72 (10) mm Hg, respectively. At baseline, 736 participants (57%) had normal BP and 548 (43%) had hypertension. Higher aldosterone-to-renin ratio, indicative of renin-independent aldosteronism (ie, subclinical primary aldosteronism), was associated with increased arterial stiffness, including increased central BP and pulse wave velocity, along with adverse cardiac remodeling, including increased indexed maximum left atrial volume, left ventricular mass index, and left ventricular remodeling index (all P<0.05). Higher aldosterone-to-renin ratio was also associated with higher odds of left ventricular hypertrophy (odds ratio, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.002-1.73]) and higher odds of developing incident hypertension (odds ratio, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.03-1.62]). All the associations were consistent when assessing participants with normal BP in isolation and were independent of brachial BP.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent of brachial BP, a biochemical phenotype of subclinical primary aldosteronism is negatively associated with cardiovascular health, including greater arterial stiffness, adverse cardiac remodeling, and incident hypertension.

Biomarkers to Guide Medical Therapy in Primary Aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is an endocrinopathy characterized by dysregulated aldosterone production that occurs despite suppression of renin and angiotensin II, and that is non-suppressible by volume and sodium loading. The effectiveness of surgical adrenalectomy for patients with lateralizing PA is characterized by the attenuation of excess aldosterone production leading to blood pressure reduction, correction of hypokalemia, and increases in renin-biomarkers that collectively indicate a reversal of PA pathophysiology and restoration of normal physiology. Even though the vast majority of patients with PA will ultimately be treated medically rather than surgically, there is a lack of guidance on how to optimize medical therapy and on key metrics of success. Herein, we review the evidence justifying approaches to medical management of PA and biomarkers that reflect endocrine principles of restoring normal physiology. We review the current arsenal of medical therapies, including dietary sodium restriction, steroidal and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, epithelial sodium channel inhibitors, and aldosterone synthase inhibitors. It is crucial that clinicians recognize that multimodal medical treatment for PA can be highly effective at reducing the risk for adverse cardiovascular and kidney outcomes when titrated with intention. The key biomarkers reflective of optimized medical therapy are unsurprisingly similar to the physiologic expectations following surgical adrenalectomy: control of blood pressure with the fewest number of antihypertensive agents, normalization of serum potassium without supplementation, and a rise in renin. Pragmatic approaches to achieve these objectives while mitigating adverse effects are reviewed.

Development of a risk-prediction model for primary aldosteronism in veterans with hypertension

BACKGROUND

Rates of screening for primary aldosteronism in patients who meet the criteria are exceedingly low (1%-3%). To help clinicians prioritize screening in patients most likely to benefit, we developed a risk-prediction model.

METHODS

Using national Veterans Health Administration data, we identified patients who met the criteria for primary aldosteronism screening between 2000 and 2019. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with positive primary aldosteronism testing before generating a risk-scoring system based on the coefficients (0< β < 0.5 = 1 pt, 0.5 ≤ β < 1 = 2 pts, 1 ≤ β < 1.5 = 3 pts) and then tested the system performance using an internal validation cohort.

RESULTS

We identified 502,190 patients who met primary aldosteronism screening criteria, of whom 1.6% were screened and 15% tested positive. Based on the regression model, we generated a risk-scoring system based on a total of 9 possible points in which age under 50, absence of smoking history, and resistant hypertension each scored 1 point; elevated serum sodium 2 points; and hypokalemia 3 points. Rates of positive screening increased with risk score, with 5.6% to 6.7% of those scoring 0 points testing positive; 7.9% to 9.0% 1 point; 8.6% to 10% 2 points; 13% to 14% 3 points; 21% 4 points; 22% to 38% 5 points; 27% to 38% 6 points; 42% to 49% 7 points; and 50% to 51% ≥8 points.

CONCLUSION

In hypertensive patients who meet the criteria for primary aldosteronism screening, rates of positive screening range from 5.6% to 51%. Use of our risk-predication model incorporating these factors can identify patients most likely to benefit from testing.

Diagnosis and management of primary hyperaldosteronism in patients with hypertension: a practical approach endorsed by the British and Irish Hypertension Society

Alongside the lack of homogeneity among international guidelines and consensus documents on primary hyperaldosteronism, the National UK guidelines on hypertension do not provide extensive recommendations regarding the diagnosis and management of this condition. Local guidelines vary from area to area, and this is reflected in the current clinical practice in the UK. In an attempt to provide support to the clinicians involved in the screening of subjects with hypertension and clinical management of suspected cases of primary hyperaldosteronism the following document has been prepared on the behalf of the BIHS Guidelines and Information Service Standing Committee. Through remote video conferences, the authors of this document reviewed an initial draft which was then circulated among the BIHS Executive members for feedback. A survey among members of the BIHS was carried out in 2022 to assess screening strategies and clinical management of primary hyperaldosteronism in the different regions of the UK. Feedback and results of the survey were then discussed and incorporated in the final document which was approved by the panel after consensus was achieved considering critical review of existing literature and expert opinions. Grading of recommendations was not performed in light of the limited available data from properly designed randomized controlled trials.

Approaching Primary Aldosteronism as a Common Disease

OBJECTIVE

To describe the approach to primary aldosteronism as a common disease.

METHODS

The study methods involved are literature review and personal experience.

RESULTS

Primary aldosteronism is the most common form of endocrine hypertension, yet screening rates are abysmally low. Major reasons for low screening rates include misconceptions about the drug interference and limited access to adrenal vein sampling expertise for subtyping. The workup of primary aldosteronism is greatly simplified by considering the condition as a continuum with low-renin primary hypertension. Thus, the purpose of the evaluation is not a yes/no dichotomous diagnosis but rather a gauging of how likely the patient has a lateralized source and will benefit from unilateral adrenalectomy. This approach favors the selective rather than universal use of cross-sectional imaging and adrenal vein sampling but promotes the liberal use of mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists.

CONCLUSION

The review will develop a practical approach to the patient using a series of questions with answers from the literature.

RAS-challenge as a first-look test for detection of primary aldosteronism in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension

PURPOSE

Primary aldosteronism (PA), characterised by low-renin hypertension, confers a high cardiovascular risk and is the most common cause of secondary hypertension, with an increased prevalence in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension. However, it is estimated that only a small percentage of affected patients are identified in routine clinical practice. Inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system cause an increase in renin levels in patients with intact aldosterone regulation, and inadequate low renin with concurrent RAS inhibition (RASi) may therefore indicate PA, which could serve as a first look screening test for selection for formal work-up.

METHODS

We analysed patients between 2016-2018 with treatment-resistant hypertension who had inadequate low renin in the presence of RASi (i. e. at risk for PA) and who were offered systematic work-up with adrenal vein sampling (AVS).

RESULTS

A total of 26 pts were included in the study (age 54.8 ± 11, male 65%). Mean office blood pressure (BP) was 154/95 mmHg on 4.5 antihypertensive drug classes. AVS had a high technical success rate (96%) and demonstrated unilateral disease in the majority of patients (57%), most of which (77%) were undetected by cross-sectional imaging.

CONCLUSION

In patients with resistant hypertension, low renin in the presence of RASi is a strong indicator for autonomous aldosterone secretion. It may serve as an on-medication screening test for PA to select for formal PA work up.

Revising the Roles of Aldosterone in Vascular Physiology and Pathophysiology: From Electocortin to Baxdrostat

Aldosterone was initially identified as a hormone primarily related to regulation of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. However, over the past 20 years there has been an increasing appreciation of its role in regulation of vascular function and pathophysiology in the setting of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding the biology of aldosterone as it relates to the pathophysiology and the management of vascular disease-especially related to hypertension. The review focuses on 3 key areas: 1) advances in our understanding of the cellular mechanisms by which aldosterone mediates its cellular effects, 2) identification of the hidden epidemic of aldosteronism as a mediator of hypertension, and 3) appreciating new therapeutic advances in the clinical pharmacology of aldosterone inhibition in cardiovascular and renal disease.

Willingness to be tested for a secondary cause of hypertension: a survey of the Australian general community

BACKGROUND

Primary aldosteronism (PA) represents the most common and potentially curable cause of secondary hypertension. However, PA is not commonly screened for, and up to 34% of patients who screen positive do not complete the full diagnostic process. This suggests that the diagnostic process may pose a barrier to patients and may contribute to the under-diagnosis of PA.

AIMS

To evaluate the willingness of the Australian general public to undergo testing for secondary causes of hypertension and identify enablers or barriers to testing from the patients' perspective.

METHODS

An online survey containing questions on knowledge and attitudes towards hypertension, willingness to be tested and enablers/barriers towards testing was distributed to the Australian community.

RESULTS

Of 520 adult respondents (mean age 50.4 years, SD 27.3 years; 28.8% hypertensive; 56.0% female), the majority of non-hypertensive and hypertensive respondents (82.7% vs 70.0%; P = 0.03) were willing to undergo testing for a secondary cause of hypertension that involved blood and urine tests. Greater knowledge of hypertensive risk modification strategies and complications was predictive of willingness to be tested, whereas age, sex, education level, geographic location, socio-economic status and cardiovascular comorbidities were not. The top three barriers to testing included fear of a serious underlying condition, lack of belief in further testing and increased stress associated with further testing.

CONCLUSION

A high proportion of patients are willing to engage in testing for a secondary cause of hypertension. Education about the risks associated with hypertension and the testing process may overcome several barriers to testing.

Primary Aldosteronism in Chronic Kidney Disease: Blood Pressure Control and Kidney and Cardiovascular Outcomes After Surgical Versus Medical Management

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism (PA) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be deferred due to limited evidence supporting safety and efficacy of treatment. Our goal was to assess clinical outcomes in patients with PA and CKD who received surgical or medical management.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of patients with PA and CKD who underwent adrenal vein sampling from 2009-2019. We characterized clinical outcomes and evaluated differences by surgical versus medical management. Primary outcomes were systolic blood pressure and number of antihypertensive medications. Secondary outcomes were diastolic blood pressure, serum potassium, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and kidney and cardiovascular events. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, race, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and eGFR.

RESULTS

Of 239 participants with PA and CKD, 158 (66%) underwent adrenalectomy, and 81 (34%) were treated medically. Mean age was 57±10 years, 67% were female, mean eGFR was 45±12 mL/min per 1.73 m2, and 49% were on potassium supplementation. At 5 years, mean blood pressure decreased from 149±22/85±14 to 131±28/78±16 mm Hg and mean number of antihypertensive medications decreased from 4.0±1.5 to 2.4±1.4. Adrenalectomy, compared to medical management, was associated with similar systolic blood pressure (-0.90 mm Hg [95% CI, -6.99 to 5.07]) but fewer medications (1.7 [95% CI, -2.24 to -1.10]), and no difference in potassium levels or kidney or cardiovascular outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PA and CKD are likely to benefit from either surgical adrenalectomy or medical management. Detection and treatment of PA may help to reduce blood pressure and medication burden in patients with CKD.

Aldosterone Synthase Inhibition With Lorundrostat for Uncontrolled Hypertension: The Target-HTN Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Excess aldosterone production contributes to hypertension in both classical hyperaldosteronism and obesity-associated hypertension. Therapies that reduce aldosterone synthesis may lower blood pressure.

Objective

To compare the safety and efficacy of lorundrostat, an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, with placebo, and characterize dose-dependent safety and efficacy to inform dose selection in future trials.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trial among adults with uncontrolled hypertension taking 2 or more antihypertensive medications. An initial cohort of 163 participants with suppressed plasma renin (plasma renin activity [PRA] ≤1.0 ng/mL/h) and elevated plasma aldosterone (≥1.0 ng/dL) were enrolled, with subsequent enrollment of 37 participants with PRA greater than 1.0 ng/mL/h.

Interventions

Participants were randomized to placebo or 1 of 5 dosages of lorundrostat in the initial cohort (12.5 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg once daily or 12.5 mg or 25 mg twice daily). In the second cohort, participants were randomized in a 1:6 ratio to placebo or lorundrostat, 100 mg once daily.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was change in automated office systolic blood pressure from baseline to study week 8.

Results

Between July 2021 and June 2022, 200 participants were randomized, with final follow-up in September 2022. Following 8 weeks of treatment in participants with suppressed PRA, changes in office systolic blood pressure of -14.1, -13.2, -6.9, and -4.1 mm Hg were observed with 100 mg, 50 mg, and 12.5 mg once daily of lorundrostat and placebo, respectively. Observed reductions in systolic blood pressure in individuals receiving twice-daily doses of 25 mg and 12.5 mg of lorundrostat were -10.1 and -13.8 mm Hg, respectively. The least-squares mean difference between placebo and treatment in systolic blood pressure was -9.6 mm Hg (90% CI, -15.8 to -3.4 mm Hg; P = .01) for the 50-mg once-daily dose and -7.8 mm Hg (90% CI, -14.1 to -1.5 mm Hg; P = .04) for 100 mg daily. Among participants without suppressed PRA, 100 mg once daily of lorundrostat decreased systolic blood pressure by 11.4 mm Hg (SD, 2.5 mm Hg), which was similar to blood pressure reduction among participants with suppressed PRA receiving the same dose. Six participants had increases in serum potassium above 6.0 mmol/L that corrected with dose reduction or drug discontinuation. No instances of cortisol insufficiency occurred.

Conclusions and Relevance

Among individuals with uncontrolled hypertension, use of lorundrostat was effective at lowering blood pressure compared with placebo, which will require further confirmatory studies.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05001945.

Underdiagnosis of Primary Aldosteronism: A Review of Screening and Detection

A clinical condition may be missed due to its higher-than-recognized prevalence or inadequate diagnostic screening. Both factors apply to primary aldosteronism, which is woefully underdiagnosed as a cause of hypertension and end-organ damage. Screening tests should be strongly considered for diseases that pose significant morbidity or mortality if left untreated, that have a high prevalence, and that have treatments that lead to improvement or cure. In this review we present the evidence for each of these points. We outline studies that estimate the prevalence of primary aldosteronism in different at-risk populations and how its recognition has changed over time. We also evaluate myriad studies of screening rates for primary aldosteronism and what factors do and do not influence current screening practices. We discuss the ideal conditions for screening, measuring the aldosterone to renin ratio in different populations that use plasma renin activity or direct renin concentration, and the steps for diagnostic workup of primary aldosteronism. Finally, we conclude with potential strategies to implement higher rates of screening and diagnosis of this common, consequential, and treatable disease.

Primary Aldosteronism Prevalence - An Unfolding Story

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is characterized by dysregulated, renin-independent aldosterone excess. Long perceived as rare, PA has emerged as one of the most common causes of secondary hypertension. Failure to recognize and treat PA results in cardiovascular and renal complications, through processes mediated by both direct target tissue insults and indirectly, by hypertension. PA spans a continuum of dysregulated aldosterone secretion, which is typically recognized in late stages after treatment-resistant hypertension and cardiovascular and/or renal complications develop. Determining the precise disease burden remains challenging due to heterogeneity in testing, arbitrary thresholds, and populations studied. This review summarizes the reports on PA prevalence among the general population and in specific high-risk subgroups, highlighting the impact of rigid versus permissive criteria on PA prevalence perception.

Primary Aldosteronism: A Pragmatic Approach to Diagnosis and Management

Primary aldosteronism is a prevalent but underdiagnosed cause of hypertension, contributing to increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and end-organ damage independent of blood pressure. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with targeted surgical or medical therapy reduce the risk of complications and improve prognosis. This review outlines a practical approach to diagnosis and management of primary aldosteronism for global practitioners.

Improving Detection Rates for Primary Aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism (PA), once considered a rare disease, is being increasingly recognized as an important cause of hypertension. It is associated with higher rates of cardiovascular complications compared to blood pressure-matched essential hypertension. Targeted treatments are available which can mitigate the excess cardiovascular risks and, in some cases, cure hypertension. Making a timely diagnosis of PA is, therefore, highly beneficial for patients. Furthermore, numerous studies from different parts of the world have found PA to be a relatively common disease that can affect patients in any stage of hypertension, regardless of their age or potassium levels. Despite this well-established data, the current rate of PA detection is appallingly low, much below its actual prevalence. This review explores the challenges that clinicians often face in diagnosing PA and offers strategies that may improve the detection of this potentially curable form of hypertension.

Using Renin Activity to Guide Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Therapy in Patients with Low Renin and Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are often empirically used for patients with low-renin hypertension (LRH) or probable primary aldosteronism (PA) who decline surgery. However, the optimal approach to MRA therapy is unknown. Studies have shown that a rise in renin is an effective biomarker of prevention of cardiovascular complications of PA. This study aimed to determine whether empiric MRA therapy in patients with LRH or probable PA targeting unsuppressed renin is associated with a decrease in blood pressure and/or proteinuria.

METHODS

Retrospective single-center cohort study from 2005 to 2021 included adults with LRH or probable PA (renin activity <1.0 ng/ml/h and detectable aldosterone levels). All patients were empirically treated with an MRA, targeting renin ≥1.0 ng/ml/h.

RESULTS

Out of 39 patients studied, 32 (82.1%) achieved unsuppressed renin. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 148.0 and 81.2 to 125.8 and 71.6 mm Hg, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). Similar blood pressure reductions were seen whether patients had high (>10 ng/dl) or low (<10 ng/dl) aldosterone levels. The majority (24/39; 61.5%) of patients had at least one baseline anti-hypertensive medication stopped. Among the six patients who had detectable proteinuria and albumin-to-creatinine (ACR) measurements post-treatment, the mean ACR decreased from 179.0 to 36.1 mg/g (P = 0.03). None of the patients studied had to completely stop treatment due to adverse reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Empiric MRA therapy in patients with LRH or probable PA targeting unsuppressed renin can safely and effectively improve blood pressure control and reduce proteinuria.

Screening for Primary Aldosteronism Among Hypertensive Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Retrospective Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Hypertension plus obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is recommended in some guidelines as an indication to screen for primary aldosteronism (PA), yet prior data has brought the validity of this recommendation into question. Given this context, it remains unknown whether this screening recommendation is being implemented into clinical practice.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of all adult Ontario (Canada) residents with hypertension plus OSA from 2009 to 2020 with follow-up through 2021 utilizing provincial health administrative data. We measured the proportion of individuals who underwent PA screening via the aldosterone-to-renin ratio by year. We further examined screening rates among patients with hypertension plus OSA by the presence of concurrent hypokalemia and resistant hypertension. Clinical predictors associated with screening were assessed via Cox regression modeling.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 53,130 adults with both hypertension and OSA, of which only 634 (1.2%) underwent PA screening. Among patients with hypertension, OSA, and hypokalemia, the proportion of eligible patients screened increased to 2.8%. Among patients ≥65 years with hypertension, OSA, and prescription of ≥4 antihypertensive medications, the proportion of eligible patients screened was 1.8%. Older age was associated with a decreased likelihood of screening while hypokalemia and subspecialty care with internal medicine, cardiology, endocrinology, or nephrology were associated with an increased likelihood of screening. No associations with screening were identified with sex, rural residence, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or respirology subspecialty care.

CONCLUSIONS

The population-level uptake of the guideline recommendation to screen all patients with hypertension plus OSA for PA is exceedingly low.

A flexible symbolic regression method for constructing interpretable clinical prediction models

Machine learning (ML) models trained for triggering clinical decision support (CDS) are typically either accurate or interpretable but not both. Scaling CDS to the panoply of clinical use cases while mitigating risks to patients will require many ML models be intuitively interpretable for clinicians. To this end, we adapted a symbolic regression method, coined the feature engineering automation tool (FEAT), to train concise and accurate models from high-dimensional electronic health record (EHR) data. We first present an in-depth application of FEAT to classify hypertension, hypertension with unexplained hypokalemia, and apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) using EHR data for 1200 subjects receiving longitudinal care in a large healthcare system. FEAT models trained to predict phenotypes adjudicated by chart review had equivalent or higher discriminative performance (p < 0.001) and were at least three times smaller (p < 1 × 10-6) than other potentially interpretable models. For aTRH, FEAT generated a six-feature, highly discriminative (positive predictive value = 0.70, sensitivity = 0.62), and clinically intuitive model. To assess the generalizability of the approach, we tested FEAT on 25 benchmark clinical phenotyping tasks using the MIMIC-III critical care database. Under comparable dimensionality constraints, FEAT's models exhibited higher area under the receiver-operating curve scores than penalized linear models across tasks (p < 6 × 10-6). In summary, FEAT can train EHR prediction models that are both intuitively interpretable and accurate, which should facilitate safe and effective scaling of ML-triggered CDS to the panoply of potential clinical use cases and healthcare practices.

Rates of Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma Screening in At-Risk Populations

CONTEXT

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGL) are rare causes of secondary hypertension, but when unrecognized, they can lead to serious complications. Data regarding PPGL screening are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the rates and patterns of PPGL screening among eligible patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of adults with hypertension seen in outpatient clinics of a large academic center between January 1, 2017, and June 30, 2020. We included patients with treatment-resistant hypertension, hypertension at age < 35 years, and/or adrenal mass(es).

RESULTS

Of 203 535 patients with hypertension identified, 71 088 (35%) met ≥ 1 inclusion criteria, and 2013 (2.83%) were screened for PPGL. Patients screened were younger (56.2 ± 17.4 vs 64.0 ± 17.1 years), more often women (54.1% vs 44.2%), and never-smokers (54.6% vs 47.5%, P < 0.001 for all). The rate of screening was highest in patients with hypertension and adrenal mass(es) (51.7%, vs 3.9% in patients with early-onset hypertension, and 2.4% in those with treatment-resistant hypertension). Multivariable logistic regression showed higher odds ratio (OR) of PPGL screening in women (OR [95% CI]: 1.48 [1.34-1.63]); Black vs White patients (1.35 [1.19-1.53]); patients with adrenal mass(es) (55.1 [44.53-68.15]), stroke (1.34 [1.16-1.54]), dyslipidemia (1.41 [1.26-1.58]), chronic kidney disease (1.40 [1.26-1.56]), and obstructive sleep apnea (1.96 [1.76-2.19]).

CONCLUSION

PPGL screening is pursued in roughly half of patients with adrenal nodules and hypertension, but rarely in patients with treatment-resistant or early-onset hypertension. Similar to screening for other forms of secondary hypertension, PPGL screening occurs more often after serious complications develop.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Newer alternatives for resistant hypertension: Beyond 2022 paradigms

Given the increased incidence of resistant hypertension and no novel agents to manage hypertension for more than 15 years, there has been an increase in the development of newer agents with unique mechanisms that will hopefully aid in getting this subset of patients under control. More recent classes of agents include nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor blockers, aminopeptidase A inhibitors, dual endothelin A and B antagonists and aldosterone synthetase inhibitors, and novel agents affecting angiotensinogen mRNA in the liver. All these agents are under different levels of development and, if all goes well, should be available to the public within the next 2-5 years. In addition to these agents, renal denervation is anticipated to be approved in the United States within the next 6-9 months, whereas it has already been authorized in certain European countries. Thus, by 2025 and later, we will have a more extensive armamentarium to help quell the rise in resistant hypertension. From early actuarial data associating elevated blood pressure with mortality to the first trials of blood pressure-lowering medications to contemporary American and European hypertension guidelines, the beneficial impact of blood pressure lowering in individuals with hypertension is well established^1,2-4. Population-level decreases in incident cardiovascular disease and mortality over the past 50 years reflect this well-established impact. Yet, the year-over-year decline in the incidence of cardiovascular disease has now plateaued, and concomitantly rates of uncontrolled hypertension have increased^5,6. Additionally, how the global COVID-19 pandemic impacts cardiovascular disease and hypertension-related outcomes is yet to be determined, but early data suggests population-level increases in blood pressure⁷.

Primary aldosteronism in pregnancy

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of secondary hypertension. Although hypertensive disorders seem to affect around 5-10% of pregnancies worldwide, literature counts less than 80 cases of PA diagnosed during the peri-partum period. In this review we discuss about current knowledge on pathophysiology, natural history, diagnosis and treatment of PA in pregnancy. Because of the physiologic changes in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the contraindication to both confirmatory test and subtype differentiation, diagnosis of PA during pregnancy is challenging and relies mostly on detection of low/suppressed renin and high aldosterone levels. The course of pregnancy in patients with PA is highly variable, ranging from progesterone-induced amelioration of blood pressure (BP) control to severe and resistant hypertension with potential maternal and fetal complications. Mineralcorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) are the recommended and most effective drugs for treatment of PA. As the anti-androgenic effect of spironolactone can potentially interfere with sexual development, their prescription is not recommended during pregnancy. On the other side, eplerenone, has proven to be safe and effective in 6 pregnant women and may be added to conventional first line drug regimen in presence of resistant hypertension or persistent hypokalemia. Ideally, patients with unilateral forms of PA should undergo adrenalectomy prior to conception, however, when PA is diagnosed during pregnancy and medical therapy fails to adequately control hypertension or its complications, adrenalectomy can be considered during the second trimester in case of unilateral adrenal mass at MRI-scan.

Eleven-Year Experience with Selective Adrenal Vein Sampling in Management of Primary Adrenal Hormonal Hypersecretion

Introduction: Nearly half of the adult population in the United States has been diagnosed with hypertension. Adrenal hormonal hypersecretion is a leading cause of secondary hypertension. Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) may assist in differentiating between unilateral and bilateral adrenal hormonal hypersecretion to identify patients who are candidates for adrenalectomy. We reviewed the use of AVS at our institution along with associated outcomes after adrenalectomy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients with a diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) or adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome (AICS) and who underwent adrenalectomy between January 1, 2010, and December 1, 2021. Patient data of baseline characteristics, preoperative workup, including AVS, and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: Seventy-one patients were identified in the study period (48 PA and 23 AICS). Computed tomography scan identified unilateral adrenal nodules in 52 patients (29 left; and 23 right), bilateral nodules in 13 patients, and no nodules in 6 patients. AVS was performed in 45 patients with PA (93%) and 5 patients with AICS (21%). After surgery, the number of PA patients with hypokalemia or requiring potassium supplementation significantly decreased after adrenalectomy (before surgery: 33 [68.7%]; and after surgery: 5 [10.4%], P < .01). The number of medications required for hypertension in AICS patients also significantly decreased. No major adverse events were noted. Conclusions: Our long-term experience demonstrates the ongoing use of AVS during workup of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism and for select patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent Cushing syndrome. However, a low level of discordance between imaging and AVS findings in PA patients suggests that there may be a subset of patients in whom preoperative AVS is not necessary.

Primary Aldosteronism and the Role of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists for the Heart and Kidneys

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension but is frequently underrecognized and undertreated. Patients with PA are at a markedly increased risk for target organ damage to the heart and kidneys. While patients with unilateral PA can be treated surgically, many patients with PA are not eligible or willing to undergo surgery. Steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are highly effective for treating PA and reducing the risk of target organ damage. However, steroidal MRAs are often underprescribed and can be poorly tolerated by some patients due to side effects. Nonsteroidal MRAs reduce adverse renal and cardiovascular outcomes among patients with diabetic kidney disease and are bettertolerated than steroidal MRAs. While their blood pressure-lowering effects remain unclear, these agents may have a potential role in reducing target organ damage in patients with PA.

Primary Aldosteronism: State-of-the-Art Review

We are witnessing a revolution in our understanding of primary aldosteronism (PA). In the past 2 decades, we have learned that PA is a highly prevalent syndrome that is largely attributable to pathogenic somatic mutations, that contributes to cardiovascular, metabolic, and kidney disease, and that when recognized, can be adequately treated with widely available mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and/or surgical adrenalectomy. Unfortunately, PA is rarely diagnosed, or adequately treated, mainly because of a lack of awareness and education. Most clinicians still possess an outdated understanding of PA; from primary care physicians to hypertension specialists, there is an urgent need to redefine and reintroduce PA to clinicians with a modern and practical approach. In this state-of-the-art review, we provide readers with the most updated knowledge on the pathogenesis, prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of PA. In particular, we underscore the public health importance of promptly recognizing and treating PA and provide pragmatic solutions to modify clinical practices to achieve this.

Impact of dedicated multidisciplinary service on patient selection and outcomes for surgical treatment of primary aldosteronism

BACKGROUND

Primary aldosteronism is the most common surgically curable cause of endocrine hypertension. Management of the unilateral subtype of primary aldosteronism with adrenalectomy requires multidisciplinary input. It is unclear if a dedicated endocrine hypertension service confers better outcomes compared to standard care offered by individual clinicians.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, patients from the Monash University Endocrine Surgery Database were divided into either the endocrine hypertension service group, where patients were managed by a dedicated multidisciplinary team, or the standard group, where patients were managed by individual clinicians. The comparisons included patient selection for surgery, perioperative blood pressure control, and surgical cure rate.

RESULTS

Despite similar perioperative blood pressure, patients in the endocrine hypertension service group (n = 41) were on fewer antihypertensive medications (1 vs 2, P = .011) compared to the standard group (n = 55). A larger proportion of patients in the endocrine hypertension service group had either bilateral adrenal nodules or no adrenal lesions on computed tomography (41% vs 18%, P = .013). Patients in the standard group had larger adrenal lesions on computed tomography (median 15 mm vs 10 mm, P = .032). Postoperatively, the biochemical cure rate was higher in the endocrine hypertension service group at 6 to 12 months (97% vs 76%, P = .021).

CONCLUSION

Patients managed by endocrine hypertension service were more likely to be diagnosed with surgically curable primary aldosteronism without a unilateral adrenal adenoma on imaging, required fewer medications for perioperative blood pressure control, and experienced superior postoperative outcomes. Referral to a dedicated endocrine hypertension service is recommended for patients with primary aldosteronism who wish to pursue a surgical cure.

A genome-wide association study identifies a novel association between SDC3 and apparent treatment-resistant hypertension

BACKGROUND

Compared with patients who require fewer antihypertensive agents, those with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) are at increased risk for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, independent of blood pressure control. However, the etiopathogenesis of aTRH is still poorly elucidated.

METHODS

We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in first cohort including 586 aTRHs and 871 healthy controls. Next, expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis was used to identify genes that are regulated by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from the GWAS. Then, we verified the genes obtained from the eQTL analysis in the validation cohort including 65 aTRHs, 96 hypertensives, and 100 healthy controls through gene expression profiling analysis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay.

RESULTS

The GWAS in first cohort revealed four suggestive loci (1p35, 4q13.2-21.1, 5q22-23.2, and 15q11.1-q12) represented by 23 SNPs. The 23 significant SNPs were in or near LAPTM5, SDC3, UGT2A1, FTMT, and NIPA1. eQTL analysis uncovered 14 SNPs in 1p35 locus all had same regulation directions for SDC3 and LAPTM5. The disease susceptible alleles of SNPs in 1p35 locus were associated with lower gene expression for SDC3 and higher gene expression for LAPTM5. The disease susceptible alleles of SNPs in 4q13.2-21.1 were associated with higher gene expression for UGT2B4. GTEx database did not show any statistically significant eQTLs between the SNPs in 5q22-23.2 and 15q11.1-q12 loci and their influenced genes. Then, gene expression profiling analysis in the validation cohort confirmed lower expression of SDC3 in aTRH but no significant differences on LAPTM5 and UGT2B4, when compared with controls and hypertensives, respectively. RT-qPCR assay further verified the lower expression of SDC3 in aTRH.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified a novel association of SDC3 with aTRH, which contributes to the elucidation of its etiopathogenesis and provides a promising therapeutic target.

Illness perspectives in patients with primary aldosteronism

OBJECTIVE

The burden of symptoms and treatment in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA), as well as the patients' experience of the health care is sparsely studied. The objectives of this study were to describe symptoms considered to be the most troublesome by patients with PA, and to explore health related worries and expectations following treatment.

METHODS

This was an explorative qualitative study where 25 patients with PA, diagnosed between 2017 and 2019, were included; 13 patients who had undergone adrenalectomy and 12 who were receiving medical treatment. Data was collected during six group interviews and analyzed using a thematic approach.

RESULTS

Three main themes were identified: 1) Distress of the past, where the most important issues were struggle to receive a correct diagnosis, impaired well-being and the consumption of a large number of tablets, 2) Satisfaction after receiving a correct diagnosis, both in patients with unilateral and bilateral disease, but also dissatisfaction with lack of information about the disease, and 3) Future concerns, where worries about the long-term effects of PA on health in general dominated.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings illustrate several important issues related to PA where improvements in patient care are needed, including actions aiming at shortening the long diagnostic delay, a thorough information to the patients about the disease is of great importance, and that all patients with PA, regardless of treatment, would benefit from a structured long-term follow-up.

Approach to the Patient on Antihypertensive Therapy: Screen for Primary Aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a condition that is still largely overlooked, resulting in a considerable burden of mortality and morbidity. This is despite decades of clinical and translational research on the deleterious effects of aldosterone on the cardiovascular system and the publication of several guidelines and consensuses on its diagnosis and treatment. One of the main reasons for the low rate of testing is the difficulty of screening patients on antihypertensive therapy that potentially interferes with aldosterone and renin levels and thus confound the interpretation of the aldosterone to renin ratio, the accepted and conventionally used screening test. To avoid interference, usually the therapies that affect the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system are withdrawn and substituted with noninterfering medications. However, in many cases the screening test can be confidently interpreted even when such therapies are not discontinued. In this review, we will evaluate the effects of antihypertensive therapies on the screening test for PA and suggest a practical approach for its interpretation.