American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test 2026 - Free Pathology Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

Conn's Syndrome, also known as primary hyperaldosteronism, is characterized primarily by excessive production of the hormone aldosterone from the adrenal glands. The most significant clinical feature of this condition is hypertension, which occurs because aldosterone promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion in the kidneys. This imbalance leads to an increase in blood volume and, subsequently, elevated blood pressure.

Hypertension in Conn's Syndrome is often resistant to conventional antihypertensive therapies and can be severe, influencing the specific management and diagnostic evaluation of affected individuals. As a result, when clinicians encounter a patient with new-onset treatment-resistant hypertension, they consider the possibility of Conn's Syndrome among other causes.

While other symptoms may be present in Conn's Syndrome, such as muscle weakness and hypokalemia, the hallmark clinical presentation remains hypertension.