Pilot Study on Eplerenone Treatment for Heart Effects in Adults with Primary Aldosteronism and Hypertension

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how the hormone aldosterone affects the heart, especially in people with primary aldosteronism, a condition where the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone. This hormone can cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart and kidney problems. The study aims to find out if blocking aldosterone with medication can improve heart function for those affected by this condition. Participants will receive treatment with eplerenone, a medication that blocks the mineralocorticoid receptor, for six months. Before starting treatment, cardiac imaging tests including a PET stress test and echocardiogram will be done to assess heart blood flow and structure. These tests will be repeated after the six-month treatment period to evaluate changes. The medication dose starts at 50 mg daily and may increase to 100 mg daily, depending on tolerance. During the study, participants will undergo heart imaging tests before and after treatment to measure blood flow and heart function changes. Researchers will track heart blood flow, heart muscle strain, and heart size using echocardiograms and PET scans. The main outcome is the change in myocardial flow reserve over six months. Safety evaluations and monitoring of kidney function and potassium levels will be conducted throughout the study. Participation lasts for at least six months of treatment and follow-up testing.

Cardiovascular Manifestations of MR Activation in Primary Aldosteronism: Pilot Clinical Study