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(adrenal) Researchers Identify Thousands With Curable High Blood Pressure


MaryO

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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/...70418093041.htm

 

University Of Queensland

Date: April 18, 2007 Researchers Identify Thousands With Curable High Blood Pressure

 

Science Daily ? More than 100,000 Australians suffering high blood pressure can now be cured or have their problem greatly improved by surgical treatment thanks to University of Queensland research.

 

070418093041.jpg

Adrenal venous sampling being performed on a patient with primary aldosteronism to distinguish unilateral (surgically correctable) from bilateral forms. (Credit: Dr Stowasser) A team of researchers led by Professor Richard Gordon and Associate Professor Michael Stowasser has found primary aldosteronism (PAL) ? a type of high blood pressure that can be cured by surgery ? to be ten times more common than was previously suspected. Once thought to be rare, the Endocrine Hypertension Research Centre found PAL in 10% of all hypertension sufferers, making it the commonest known curable cause.

 

?Surgery is the only chance these people have of a cure. Their quality of life improves dramatically without the side affects caused by blood pressure medications.

 

?Patients on blood pressure medication require indefinite monitoring by their doctor to keep a check on their health. It would be a shame for people to miss the opportunity to be cured,? he said.

 

Excess hormonal activity by the adrenal glands causes this type of hypertension. When only one of the two adrenal glands is overactive, it can be safely removed, curing the condition.

 

Professor Stowasser said people with hypertension should ask their doctor about whether they could benefit from the procedure. While he was sharing his knowledge with the medical profession here and overseas, the complexity of the diagnostic process meant it was not yet widely available.

 

?The procedure relies on a complex diagnostic process to identify excess hormonal activity followed by hormonal sampling of the adrenal glands by a radiologist experienced in this type of work. Our research in Brisbane has lead to the development of a leading unit for this type of diagnosis and treatment in Australia and internationally. Expertise has been developed at Brisbane's Greenslopes Private Hospital and the Princess Alexandra Hospital where we are diagnosing 70 -100 PAL sufferers each year,? he said.

 

Over 300 adrenalectomies have been carried out, with excellent results, Prof Stowasser said.

 

Professors Gordon and Stowasser's earlier research discovered PAL was responsible for more cases of hypertension than previously thought. PAL affects the lives of possibly more than 300,000 Australian aged between 20 and 80, about 10% of all hypertension sufferers. The surgical treatment is available to around one third of people with PAL. When only one of the two adrenal glands is overactive, it can be safely removed, curing or greatly improving the condition.

 

These researchers have also turned their attention to the genetic basis of the condition, which can run in families and have found a part of one chromosome which is involved. This line of research should lead to streamlined diagnosis and even identification of children who would be at risk of developing hypertension in later life.

 

Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by University Of Queensland.

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Very interesting... I wonder about the processes involved in figuring out which gland is the overproducer? How long would it take, types of tests, etc. Sounds promising!! Brad

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Thank You MaryO for posting this information! I have been having an extreme problem with my blood pressure since I was diagnosed with Cushing's, however, it has only gotten worse since I have had my Pit surgery and am trying to wean off the Cortef!

 

The doctors have doubled my BP medications and it was still running high, but yet my pulse rate is running very LOW! I have this listed under another thread on the boards! But appreciate you posting this here as for this now gives me another avenue to look down also!

 

You are always a wonderful source of information and support and I truely appreciate it!

 

Thank You!

 

Sandy

 

P.S. I hope everything is getting better and going well for you! I haven't been on the board lately, but I miss you too!

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