Which of the following is a common symptom of hyperaldosteronism?

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In hyperaldosteronism, the adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of aldosterone, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. One of the hallmark effects of increased aldosterone secretion is the reabsorption of sodium and the excretion of potassium by the kidneys. This imbalance typically leads to hypokalemia, which is characterized by low potassium levels in the blood.

As a result, individuals with hyperaldosteronism commonly present with low potassium levels. The condition may also lead to a variety of symptoms related to electrolyte imbalance, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythms due to the decreased potassium.

High potassium levels, high magnesium levels, and normal blood pressure do not align with the typical clinical presentation of hyperaldosteronism. Instead, the hypersecretion of aldosterone tends to cause elevated sodium levels and increased blood pressure, along with the aforementioned decrease in potassium. Thus, understanding the physiological impact of aldosterone highlights why low potassium levels are a common symptom of hyperaldosteronism.

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