Aldosteronism: Too much of a good thing
The hormone aldosterone helps the body manage water and sodium. Too much of it is an overlooked cause of high blood pressure.
Although we often talk about high blood pressure as if it were a disease, it really isn't. It is a symptom of trouble somewhere in the body. High blood pressure usually accompanies excess weight, declining kidney function, and arteriosclerosis, the narrowing and stiffening of blood vessels. One often overlooked cause of high blood pressure is a malfunction of the adrenal glands.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.