A condition resulting from a deficiency of the hormone aldosterone, which is normally produced by the adrenal cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal glands). Hypoaldosteronism produces biochemical changes in the body that result in a low level of sodium in the blood combined with an increased level of potassium. The condition is often associated with kidney disease, or it can be the result of a hereditary defect in an enzyme involved in aldosterone production. Symptoms include general weakness and an increased risk of serious heart rhythm abnormalities, which can be fatal. Administering fludrocortisone, a synthetic mineralocorticoid, is the most common treatment because oral aldosterone cannot be properly absorbed by the body.
Hypoaldosteronism is an uncommon disorder caused by a lack of the hormone aldosterone, produced in the adrenal glands. Various factors can lead to this condition, including illnesses or injuries that damage the adrenal glands. For instance, Addison’s disease, a condition often triggered by an autoimmune response, can damage the adrenal glands and result in hypoaldosteronism. A typical symptom of this disorder is muscle weakness. The condition can be managed using the medication fludrocortisone.