In a patient with reduced aldosterone secretion, which electrolyte abnormality would you expect?

In a patient with reduced aldosterone secretion, which electrolyte abnormality would you expect?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Answer: (A)

Potassium balance is tightly controlled by aldosterone. Aldosterone acts on the kidney’s collecting ducts to increase sodium reabsorption and, at the same time, promote potassium secretion into the urine. When aldosterone secretion is reduced, this potassium-secreting mechanism slows down, so potassium is retained and serum potassium rises, producing hyperkalemia. Hypernatremia wouldn’t be expected because less aldosterone means reduced Na reabsorption, which can lead to hyponatremia and volume depletion rather than high sodium. Hypokalemia would occur if there were too much aldosterone or diuretic effect driving potassium out of the body, not with reduced aldosterone. Hypercalcemia is not a typical consequence of aldosterone deficiency.

Potassium balance is tightly controlled by aldosterone. Aldosterone acts on the kidney’s collecting ducts to increase sodium reabsorption and, at the same time, promote potassium secretion into the urine. When aldosterone secretion is reduced, this potassium-secreting mechanism slows down, so potassium is retained and serum potassium rises, producing hyperkalemia.

Hypernatremia wouldn’t be expected because less aldosterone means reduced Na reabsorption, which can lead to hyponatremia and volume depletion rather than high sodium. Hypokalemia would occur if there were too much aldosterone or diuretic effect driving potassium out of the body, not with reduced aldosterone. Hypercalcemia is not a typical consequence of aldosterone deficiency.