Primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for:
Chest pain, severe breathlessness, or fainting
New facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, or confusion
Severe muscle weakness or inability to move normally
A sustained irregular heartbeat, especially with dizziness or weakness
Very high blood pressure accompanied by severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, confusion, or neurological symptoms
These symptoms do not prove that hyperaldosteronism is the cause, but they need immediate assessment.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your care team promptly if you have new medicine side effects, vomiting or diarrhoea that may cause dehydration, or a major change in swelling, weight, or blood pressure.
These situations may affect potassium, kidney function, or the safety of your medicines.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if your blood pressure remains above your agreed target, you have repeated low-potassium results, or you develop ongoing cramps, weakness, thirst, or excessive urination.
An adrenal nodule found on imaging should also be reviewed in context, particularly if you have high blood pressure.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.