Conn syndrome, named after J. W. Conn in 1955, denotes a condition marked by hypertension with an aldosterone-producing adenoma. This adenoma triggers heightened aldosterone secretion from the adrenal glands, resulting in suppressed plasma renin, hypertension, and hypokalemia. This systematic study aimed to explore the prevalence, risk factors, and management of Conn's syndrome. PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases were scrutinized for English-language articles from 2010 to 2023, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Among 142 studies identified, 10 met the criteria for inclusion. Surveys and analyses of national databases were the predominant research methods. Formerly deemed uncommon, Conn's syndrome now accounts for 5–15% of hypertensive patients. The deleterious impact of aldosterone extends beyond hypertension, affecting various organs. Timely intervention, whether pharmacological (aldosterone antagonists) or surgical (adrenalectomy), proves effective in mitigating these effects. Early diagnosis and appropriate testing are imperative. Salt intake reduction is crucial, given its association with aldosterone-mediated damage. However, patients often exceed the recommended 5 grams per day, posing a challenge for lifestyle interventions. Adrenalectomy, in addition to lowering cardiovascular risk, naturally reduces salt intake. Clinical research underscores the role of dietary salt in predicting cardiovascular risk, emphasizing its significance even with adequate treatment.
Key words: Conn syndrome, Cushing syndrome, aldosterone, cortisol, adrenal tumor, primary aldosteronism, hypertension.
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