[Primary hyperaldosteronism in hypertension].

Recent data suggest that primary aldosteronism is found in about 10% of hypertensive patients managed in primary care and diagnosed in about 20% of treated but uncontrolled hypertensive patients. Cardiovascular complications appear to be more frequent among patients with primary hyperaldosteronism than hypertensive patients with a comparable blood pressure. The diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism relies mainly on the exploration of the renin-aldosterone system with the measurements of plasma renin activity and plasma and urinary aldosterone levels, and on radiological investigations. Today, the investigation of a secondary hypertension suspecting primary aldosteronism could be started by performing a scanner and then measuring hormonal parameters.