Subclinical primary aldosteronism and major adverse cardiovascular events: evidence for a continuum of renin-independent aldosterone excess and a proposal for early detection - Report - MDSpire

Subclinical primary aldosteronism and major adverse cardiovascular events: evidence for a continuum of renin-independent aldosterone excess and a proposal for early detection

  • By

  • Atef Akoum

  • Mounir Hakim

  • Rola Kwayess

  • Bahaa El Deen Wehbeh

  • Lina Alaaeddine

  • Mohamed Nasser El Shabrawi

  • Ashesh Das

  • Akshay Kumar

  • Sreekant Avula

  • Abdallah Rebeiz

  • Jason Li

  • June 23, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Subclinical Primary Aldosteronism and Cardiovascular Risk

Background

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular complications compared to essential hypertension. Recent studies suggest that subclinical primary aldosteronism (sPA) exists on a continuum, affecting even normotensive individuals.

Data Highlights

Emerging evidence indicates that suppressed renin and elevated aldosterone levels correlate with increased cardiovascular events, even within normal ranges. Population-based data suggest a graded cardiovascular risk associated with sPA.

Key Findings

  • Subclinical primary aldosteronism (sPA) may represent an early cardiometabolic state linked to elevated MACE risk.
  • Suppressed renin and higher aldosterone levels are associated with incident hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy.
  • Overt PA shows significantly higher rates of cardiovascular diseases compared to blood pressure-matched essential hypertension.
  • Histopathologic analyses reveal aldosterone-producing cell clusters in normotensive individuals, suggesting early autonomous secretion.
  • Current screening for PA is underutilized, with fewer than 2% of eligible patients evaluated in practice.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider screening for sPA in patients with hypertension to identify those at risk for cardiovascular events. Early intervention may be necessary to mitigate long-term cardiovascular harm.

Conclusion

The findings emphasize the importance of recognizing subclinical primary aldosteronism as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events, warranting further research and prospective trials for effective management.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Endocrine Society, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2025 -- Primary Aldosteronism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
  2. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- Residual risk in cardiovascular and renal diseases and the potential role of aldosterone synthase inhibitors
  3. Endocrine Reviews, 2023 -- Subtyping of Primary Aldosteronism by Adrenal Venous Sampling
  4. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Incidence of Adrenal Masses Eventually Discovered in Patients Screened for Primary Aldosteronism
  5. PubMed, 2025 -- Subclinical Primary Aldosteronism and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Longitudinal Population-Based Cohort Study
  6. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/110/9/2453/8196671
  7. Subclinical Primary Aldosteronism and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Longitudinal Population-Based Cohort Study - PubMed

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