Lupus is a chronic autoimmune illness where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, causing inflammation and potential organ damage. People suffering from lupus experience more hypertension (i.e. high blood pressure) and heart disease.
A common but often overlooked cause of hypertension is primary aldosteronism, a condition where the adrenal glands produce too much of a hormone called aldosterone. The good news is that primary aldosteronism can be detected with a simple blood test and is treatable, and in some cases, even curable. So, should people with lupus be screened for primary aldosteronism?
A new study published in Lupus Science & Medicine looked at 322 patients with lupus and found that while 30% of patients had an indication for primary aldosteronism screening, only 3% were actually tested. This highlights a significant gap in care. Click here for more details.
