Aldosteronism:
An abnormality of electrolyte metabolism caused by excessive secretion of aldosterone; called also hyperaldosteronism.
Types:
1) Primary aldosteronism:
Aldosteronism arising from oversecretion of aldosterone by adrenal cortical adenoma, characterized typically by hypokalemia, alkalosis, muscular weakness, polyuria, polydipsia and hypertension; called also "Conn syndrome"
2) Pseudoprimary aldosteronism:
Signs and symptoms identical to those of primary aldosteronism but caused by factors other than excessive aldosterone secretion.
3) Secondary aldosteronism:
Aldosteronism due to extra adrenal stimulation of aldosterone secretion; it is commonly associated with edematous states, such as those accompanying nephrotic syndrome, hepatic cirrhosis, heart failure or malignant hypertension
