Screening for Primary Aldosteronism in Treatment Resistant Hypertension
The purpose of these educational modules is to assist clinicians in identifying and screening for primary aldosteronism as part of The College Precision Medicine quality improvement initiative. Primary aldosteronism has been selected for this initiative as recent evidence demonstrates that primary aldosteronism has a prevalence much higher than previously recognized, is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular and renal sequelae when compared to patients with essential hypertension at similar blood pressures, and current screening is limited.
Introduction and Why Screen for Primary Aldosteronism
Dr. Ashok Balasubramanyam introduces the College’s initiative in Precision Medicine and the first project, "Screening for Primary Aldosteronism in Treatment Resistant Hypertension". Dr. Sarkar follows with a case vignette and an exploration of the evidence surrounding the previously unrecognized higher prevalence of primary aldosteronism, risks posed to patients, and the evidence that clinicians may miss the diagnosis.
0.25 hrs., Video, CME credit.
Screening for Primary Aldosteronism
Dr. Airy addresses the evolving evidence and concepts surrounding the pathophysiology of primary aldosteronism and current recommendations for who should be screened and how to screen. She also discusses the quality improvement project to explore developing effective approaches for screening a subset of patients with resistant hypertension.
0.50 hrs., Video, CME credit.
Acting on Primary Aldosteronism Screening Results and Subtype Classification
Dr. Bedrose addresses the next steps to take following positive screening tests, when and how to refer, and considerations for subcategory testing for patients in preparation for treatment.
- Acting on Screening Results and Indications for Referral 0.25 hrs., Video, CME credit.
- Subtype Classification of Patients with Primary Aldosteronism 0.50 hrs., Video, CME credit.
Point-of-Care Activity
An activity in which a physician engages in self-directed, online learning on topics relevant to their clinical practice from a database whose content has been vetted by an accredited CME provider. Complementing the educational modules above are select point-of-care resources to facilitate clinician decision-making and screening and/or referral and/or further workup and management of patients with primary aldosteronism.