Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by hypertension and hypokalemia?

1. Cushing's syndrome

2. Hyperaldosteronism

3. Hypoparathyroidism

4. Primary adrenal insufficiency

The correct answer is: Hyperaldosteronism

The condition characterized by hypertension and hypokalemia is indeed hyperaldosteronism. This disorder involves excessive secretion of aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is crucial for regulating sodium and potassium balance in the body. Elevated levels of aldosterone lead to increased reabsorption of sodium and water in the kidneys, resulting in hypertension. Concurrently, the increased excretion of potassium can cause hypokalemia, which is a lower than normal potassium level in the bloodstream. In terms of context, while Cushing's syndrome can cause hypertension due to excess cortisol, it does not typically present with hypokalemia. Hypoparathyroidism usually leads to low calcium levels, not hypertension or hypokalemia. Primary adrenal insufficiency would lead to low levels of cortisol and aldosterone, resulting in low blood pressure rather than hypertension. Thus, hyperaldosteronism stands out as the condition that directly correlates with both symptoms of hypertension and hypokalemia.