As physicians, we spend years learning how to diagnose, treat, and guide patients through illness. But becoming the patient yourself changes everything. It gives you a completely different perspective on health, symptoms, and the importance of truly being heard.
One of the biggest lessons I learned through my journey with primary hyperaldosteronism is this: listen to your body. That quiet voice telling you something is not right matters more than you think.
When Something Feels “Off,” Pay Attention
Sometimes symptoms are subtle. Sometimes they can easily be explained away by stress, medications, aging, or everyday life. But if you continue to feel like something is not adding up, it is important to acknowledge it and speak up.
Whether you call it intuition, your spirit, your inner voice, or simply awareness, pay attention to those signals.
You know your body better than anyone else.
If something feels different, tell your doctor:
- “Something feels off.”
- “Can we look into this further?”
- “Could there be another explanation?”
Those conversations matter.
High Blood Pressure Is Not Always “Just High Blood Pressure”
Most people with hypertension have what is called primary hypertension, meaning there is no single identifiable cause. In fact:
- About 90–95% of hypertension cases are primary hypertension
- About 5–10% are secondary hypertension, meaning there is an underlying cause
Primary hyperaldosteronism is one of those secondary causes.
Although it is not extremely common in the general population, it may be more common than many people realize among individuals with difficult-to-control blood pressure.
Primary Hyperaldosteronism at a Glance
5%-15% of all people with hypertension have primary hyperaldosteronism.
Among people with resistant or difficult-to-treat hypertension, studies suggest a significant percentage (as high as 30%) may actually have primary hyperaldosteronism.
That is why awareness matters.
Looking Back at the Signs
As I reflected on my own experience, I realized there were clues over the years.
My potassium levels would occasionally fluctuate, but we often attributed that to blood pressure medications and diuretics. At the time, that explanation made sense.
But hindsight has a way of connecting dots differently.
My diagnosis made me think deeply about the many patients I treated over my 20 years in clinical practice, including 15 years in primary care treating hypertension every single day.
And honestly, I asked myself:
How many cases did I miss?
How many patients may have had primary hyperaldosteronism without any of us realizing it?
That question stays with me.
Why Awareness Is So Important
One of the reasons I am sharing my story is because someone reading this may recognize pieces of themselves in it.
You do not need to self-diagnose. But you do deserve to ask questions.
Particularly if you have:
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
- Blood pressure requiring multiple medications
- Low or fluctuating potassium levels
- A family history of hypertension
- Symptoms that just do not seem fully explained
It may be worth discussing secondary causes of hypertension with your physician.
The Importance of a Physician Who Listens
Finding a physician who truly listens can make all the difference.
During my years in practice, I often told patients:
“I may not always have the answer, but if you leave feeling unheard, then I have failed you as a physician.”
That belief has only deepened now that I have experienced healthcare from the other side.
A good physician-patient relationship is built on communication, trust, and curiosity. Your concerns should never be dismissed.
If you feel something is wrong, keep advocating for yourself.
DOCTOR’S ORDERS
If you have high blood pressure that is difficult to manage or unexplained low potassium levels, ask your healthcare provider whether further evaluation is appropriate.
Important questions to discuss may include:
- Could there be a secondary cause of my hypertension?
- Should my potassium levels be evaluated further?
- Would additional testing help explain my symptoms?
Early recognition can make a meaningful difference in treatment and long-term health outcomes.
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This journey has reminded me that medicine is not just about numbers, lab values, or diagnoses. It is about listening. Listening to patients. Listening to patterns. And listening to ourselves.
Primary hyperaldosteronism may not be the most common condition, but it is common enough to talk about.
If sharing my experience encourages even one person to ask another question, seek another opinion, or feel more empowered in their healthcare journey, then this conversation was worth having.
