Hypertension is classified as either primary (essential) hyperthension or secondary hyperthension; around 85-90% of cases are categorized as "primary hypertension" which means high blood pressure with no obvious underlying medical cause. The remaining 10-15% of cases (secondary hypertension) are caused by other conditions that affect the kidneys, arteries, heart or endocrine system. The hypertension caused by a treatable condition is mainly due to the so called Primary Aldosteronism and its early detection has the potential to prevent cardiovascular complications if treated appropriately.

Endocrine Society practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Primary Aldosteronism have highlighted the importance of ALDOSTERONE and RENIN testing. Aldosterone and Renin tests are usually requested by clinicians together when a patient shows high blood pressure and low potassium. Even if potassium is normal, testing may be done if typical medications do not control the high blood pressure or if hypertension develops at an early age.

DiaSorin offers the Hypertension portfolio in RIA format and on the LIAISON® systems.