Prevalence of Hyperaldosteronism in Primary Care Patients with Resistant Hypertension

Introduction: Because hyperaldosteronism is the most common curable reason for secondary hypertension, screening is recommended. However, prevalence among general practice patients and feasibility of screening is still unclear. A design to assess prevalence in general practice and barriers against screening was created. Methods: This was an open, observational pilot study and focus group. In 2 general practices, all patients with arterial hypertension were included. Those with resistant hypertension (> 140/90 mm Hg and taking >= 3 antihypertensive drugs) were eligible for screening. The design and feasibility of the study were discussed in a focus group of experienced general practitioners. Results: Of 3107 patients visiting the practices, 564 were diagnosed as having arterial hypertension. Seventy-nine fulfilled criteria for resistant hypertension. Aldosterone: renin ratio (ARR) could be measured in 63 of those patients. Withdrawal of beta-blocker was feasible in 34 of the 63 with measurable ARR. ARR was positive in 15, and in 3 of those 15 with positive ARR, it was caused by elevated aldosterone levels. Focus group discussion revealed barriers and concerns regarding organizational, financial, and practical aspects of a systematic screening. Conclusions: Screening for hyperaldosteronism in general practice seems possible in selected patients, but not in a systematic way. Barriers against systematic screening were a necessity for beta-blocker cessation as well as structural prerequisites for patient identification. (J Am Board Fam Med 2012; 25: 98-103.)