Hypoaldosteronism physical examination

Hypoaldosteronism Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Hypoaldosteronism from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Hypoaldosteronism physical examination On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hypoaldosteronism physical examination All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Hypoaldosteronism physical examination
CDC on Hypoaldosteronism physical examination
Hypoaldosteronism physical examination in the news
Blogs on Hypoaldosteronism physical examination
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hypoaldosteronism
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hypoaldosteronism physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Overview

Patients with [disease name] usually appear [general appearance]. Physical examination of patients with [disease name] is usually remarkable for [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].

OR

Common physical examination findings of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].

OR

The presence of [finding(s)] on physical examination is diagnostic of [disease name].

OR

The presence of [finding(s)] on physical examination is highly suggestive of [disease name].

Physical Examination

Physical examination of patients with hypoaldosteronism is usually unremarkable, unless there is severe hyperkalemia. The physical findings, if present, represents underlying conditions such as chronic kidney disease and diabetic nephropathy. Increased level of serum potassium level may present with muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias.

Appearance of the Patient

• Patients with hypoaldosteronism usually appear fatigued.

Vital Signs

• Low blood pressure
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Bradycardia

Skin

If hypoaldosteronism is from addison's disease, change in skin and hair may be observed such as:

• Pigmented skin and mucous membranes - darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the skin, including areas not exposed to the sun; characteristic sites are skin creases (e.g. of the hands), nipples, and the inside of the cheek (buccal mucosa), also old scars may darken.
• Absence of axillary and pubic hair in females as a result of loss of adrenal androgens

Neuromuscular

• Hyponatremia is unusual in isolated hypoaldosteronism since ADH is under inhibitory control of cortisol. However, in patients of Addison's disease there is decreased level of cortisol and aldosterone. Since there is no inhibition of ADH from cortisol, this leads to increased free water absorption and hyponatremia. Patients with hyponatremia may present with confusion when serum sodium level is <115 mmol/L
• Hyporeflexia / areflexia

Extremities

• Muscle weakness
• Muscle tenderness
• Depressed deep tendon reflexes