BODY FLUID AND ELECTROLYTE COMPOSITION IN ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION. II. STUDIES IN MINERALOCORTICOID HYPERTENSION*

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Abstract
Values of exchangeable Na, K and extracellular fluid volume have been compared in 11 patients with primary aldosteronism and matched normal controls. The results indicate that primary aldosteronism, unlike other uncomplicated hypertensive states, is characterized by a combination of slight increases in exchangeable Na and extracellular fluid volume and marked reductions in exchangeable K. Corrective adrenal surgery has resulted in restoration of exchangeable K to predicted normal levels and in some instances in reduction of exchangeable Na and extracellular fluid volume. Blood pressure elevation in normal subjects treated with mineralocorticoid drugs is associated with significant increases in exchangeable Na and extracellular fluid volume. The hypertension associated with mineralocorticoid excess does not appear to be directly related to absolute changes in body electrolytes.