Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism (GRA) is a disorder characterized by hypertension and abnormal steroid production. It is also known as familial hyperaldosteronism type I (FH I). With the hypertension often difficult to control, this disorder occurs equally in men and women. It is more common in people of Celtic ancestry.
Facts
GRA is a cause of hyperaldosteronism, which is a condition in which an abundance of aldosterone is produced by the adrenal glands, which often leads to low levels of potassium in the blood. Aldosterone causes kidney tubules to retain water, increasing the fluid in the body and raising blood pressure.
Symptoms
People with GRA can be without symptoms, however, fatigue, headache, high blood pressure, tingling, numbness, paralysis, muscle spasms and weakness, frequent urination or excessive thirst may be present. Hypertension is often known to be severe in these cases as well as a higher risk of stroke at a young age. Women with GRA have a higher risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy.
Treatment
Genetic screening is available for people with GRA. In people with this condition, a duplicated gene is present that fuses with the sequence of the 11β-hydroxylase and aldosterone synthase genes and this duplicated gene is specific to GRA. Genetic screening is recommended for patients with aldosteronsim. Elevated blood pressure in patients with GRA is usually treated with low-dose glucocorticoids, amiloride or spironolactone.
A diet low in sodium is also recommended to lower blood pressure in people with GRA.
As with any condition, you also want to check with your doctor if any symptoms occur or worsen.
Tags: blood pressure, duplicated gene, Genetic screening, higher risk, patients with, people with