Study Uncovers Barriers to Diagnosing a Common Cause of Hypertension

Research identifies clinician, diagnostic, access, and health-system barriers to primary aldosteronism screening and diagnosis.

PHOENIX, AZ, UNITED STATES, September 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Primary Aldosteronism Foundation (PAF) is pleased to recognize the publication of new research examining why primary aldosteronism (PA), a common and frequently overlooked cause of hypertension, continues to be underdiagnosed and undertreated.

The study, “Clinician Decision Making in Managing Primary Aldosteronism: A Qualitative Study,” by Sandra Hakim and colleagues, explored the experiences and perspectives of 38 clinicians across Australia, including cardiologists, endocrinologists, general practitioners, and nephrologists.

The researchers identified four interconnected areas influencing clinicians’ decisions about screening for, diagnosing, and treating PA:
• Clinician knowledge, experience, and perceptions
• The complexity and burden of PA screening and diagnosis
• Access to specialized services and information
• Health-system and organizational factors

The findings show that improving diagnosis requires more than simply increasing awareness of PA. Clinicians described challenges that included uncertainty about which patients should be screened, perceptions that the diagnostic process is complex or burdensome, limited access to specialized services, and broader health-system barriers. The study also identified factors that can facilitate better care, including access to specialized diagnostic services and stronger professional networks across disciplines.

“Research like this helps us better understand the real-world barriers that stand between people with primary aldosteronism and an accurate diagnosis,” said Rene Moreno, Co-Director and Co-Founder of PAF. “These findings can help inform efforts to improve screening, diagnosis, and access to appropriate treatment.”

The research has special significance for PAF. PAF co-founder Dr. Marianne Leenaerts recognized the need to better understand the barriers preventing people with PA from receiving timely diagnosis and treatment and personally provided funding to help make the research possible. The publication is dedicated to Marianne’s memory and recognizes her advocacy and commitment to improving care for people with primary aldosteronism. PAF is grateful to the investigators, participating clinicians, and everyone who contributed to this important research.

Read the open-access publication:
 
About the Primary Aldosteronism Foundation
The Primary Aldosteronism Foundation is dedicated to improving awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and research for primary aldosteronism through education, advocacy, and support for research. For more information, visit primaryaldosteronism.org.

Rene Moreno
Primary Aldosteronism Foundation
+1 602-726-0665
rmoreno@primaryaldosteronism.org

Media gallery