How Primary Aldosteronism Affects the Heart and Kidneys

6. The Role of Genetics

Familial hyperaldosteronism accounts for less than ten percent of all occurrences. It is an autosomal dominant trait, meaning just one copy of the gene is enough to cause the condition. There are three types of this disorder, and only two of them have identifiable genetic markers. People with type 1 have mild to severe hypertension that appears in childhood and early adulthood. It is caused by the fusion of CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 genes. In type 3, the adrenal glands are up to six times their normal size, and severe hypertension begins in childhood. This type is caused by a mutation in the KCNJ5 gene, which regulates potassium. Type 2 appears in early to middle adulthood, and the genetic cause is unknown.