Hyperaldosteronism

[VikingWay]

Early in 2022, I was given a Losartan Suppression Test. On the first blood draw, my score was 15; after a single dose of Losartan; two hours later, my score was 37.

Several years ago, I had read that a common cause of blame for HTN amongst the Saami (previously often referred to as "Laplanders"; the reindeer herders amongst far Northern Scandinavia) is the RAS - the Renin Aldosteronism system. I have also, more recently read, that as a frequent cause of HTN, the University of Birmingham has identified a combination of Conn and Cushings Syndromes, and given it the name "Connshing Syndrome". I appear to have a 'cycling' version, thereof. After a couple of months of distressing symptoms caused by Spironolactone; just this afternoon, I have received a 'trial' prescription of Eplerenone. I have yet, to take my first dose. I am hoping that it doesn't cause anything close to the same sort of distressing side effects, that Spironolactone has caused me, over the last couple of months.

[medicinal1]

What an interesting post. I hope everything goes well with your new medication. 👍🏼🙂

[trevg in reply to medicinal1]

You didn't expand on side effects of previous med. I chose to start with Eplerenone to reduce established high Aldosterone. This allowed me to reduce my other 2 BP meds to near half previous though I am on 2 diuretics now - both K sparing plus a CCB. My BP has almost normalised, though it can still rocket up to double under sustained stress.

I asked GP if anyone else gets Eplerenone -and he said No.

It seems ok with me - on 25mg.

No idea why my RAS is out of whack. GP seems not keen to retest RAS- probably happy with result!

[VikingWay]

Originally, I had been started on Spirolactone, at 12.5mg, then was increased, and increased, and increased; all the time, getting worse, to the point of feeling (what I call) an emotional 'melt down'! My dose had been upped, then doubled, from 25mg to 50mg. When I couldn't get the attention of my doctor at Stanford, I took it upon myself, to gradually reduced the dose, from 50mg to 37.5mg, then 25mg, then 12.5mg, until I DID get my doctor's attention, and he finally provided the 'trial' Rx of Eplerenone, that I had asked to try, weeks before!

I have switched my allegience of care from Stanford to UCSF. I am currently taking 25mg of Eplerenone, 2x a day. Yesterday, I had a difficult time; BPs over 200/ 114, when it occurred to me that Eplerenone, IS a diuretic! and I was likely dehydrated! which makes the pumping of blood more difficult, & increases BP! This AM's BP was 144 /96.

I'm hoping that today will turn out to be a 'good day'; cycling Cushings wise.