Researchers Find Follow-up Blood Tests for Hypertension Less Effective Than Previously Thought

Recent research suggests that the conventional follow-up testing for certain conditions linked to high blood pressure may not provide the diagnostic accuracy previously assumed, potentially impacting treatment decisions. The study focused on primary aldosteronism, a hormone disorder affecting up to 30% of individuals with hypertension. This condition involves excessive production of aldosterone, which leads to salt retention and elevated blood pressure. Detecting primary aldosteronism often involves the seated saline suppression test (SSST), where patients receive a saline IV infusion, and hormone levels are measured to confirm the diagnosis.

In an extensive clinical trial involving 156 patients between 2017 and 2024, all participants initially screened positive for primary aldosteronism and underwent follow-up SSSTs to validate the diagnosis. Patients then received targeted treatments, either through adrenal gland surgery or medication, and their response to therapy served as the ultimate benchmark for accurate diagnosis.

The findings revealed that the SSST failed to distinguish effectively between those who responded to treatment and those who did not. Notably, many patients correctly diagnosed as having primary aldosteronism were misclassified as normal by the test. This misclassification suggests that the routine use of SSST as a confirmatory diagnostic step may not only be unnecessary but could also delay or hinder appropriate treatment. The study authors recommend reconsidering the reliance on this test for diagnosing primary aldosteronism, asserting that eliminating it from the diagnostic process could streamline care and improve accuracy.

This paradigm shift highlights the need for clinicians to reevaluate existing diagnostic protocols and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches in managing hypertension. Overall, the study advocates for a simplified, more precise strategy that can lead to faster, more effective interventions for patients suffering from hormone-related high blood pressure issues.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-high-blood-pressure-condition-worthwhile.html