Primary Aldosteronism among adult Filipinos with resistant Hypertension: A pilot study

ABSTRACT

Background@#Primary aldosteronism (PA) was previously thought to be uncommon. With the utilization of plasma aldosterone concentration and plasma renin activity ratio (PAC/PRA) as a mode of screening, the frequency of its detection increased significantly. Among the population with an indication for PA screening, resistant hypertension has the highest prevalence. Detection of PA in this group is essential since it is associated with increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications.@*Objective@#To determine the prevalence of PA among adult Filipinos at Capitol University Medical Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental.@*Methods@#Adult Filipino patients with resistant hypertension underwent PA screening using the PAC/PRA. Patients with positive results were confirmed for PA either through IV saline infusion or using the following criteria history of spontaneous hypokalemia or documented hypokalemia prior to screening, undetectable PRA (< 1 ng/ml/hour), and a PAC of > 15 ng/dl.@*Results@#Twenty-one patients were recruited, but only fourteen participated in the study. Thirty five percent of those who participated screened positive for PA. Among those who screened positive, three patients were confirmed of having PA.@*Conclusion@#The prevalence of PA in adult Filipinos with resistant hypertension in Capitol University Medical Center, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental is estimated to be 21.43%.