# Endo Pa Screen Hypertension

> Determines whether to screen a patient with hypertension for primary aldosteronism based solely on the presence of hypertension. Use when a clinician asks whether to screen a hypertensive patient for PA, triggered by phrases such as "should we screen for aldosteronism" or "evaluate for secondary hypertension".

- Skill: `dromlakhani/endo-pa-screen-hypertension` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add dromlakhani/endo-pa-screen-hypertension`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/dromlakhani/endo-pa-screen-hypertension/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: dromlakhani (https://skillmd.com/u/dromlakhani)
- Updated: 2026-08-19
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/dromlakhani/endo-pa-screen-hypertension

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# Screen for primary aldosteronism in hypertensive patients

## STEP 1 — Gather Information
Confirm hypertension diagnosis using office BP ≥140/90 mmHg on ≥2 occasions, ambulatory BP, or home BP averages; document current antihypertensive medications.

## STEP 2 — Rule In / Rule Out
If hypertension is present, proceed to screen for PA; if hypertension is absent, do not screen for PA based on this guideline.

## STEP 3 — Classify or Stratify
Classify the patient as indicated for PA screening per Recommendation 1 (all hypertensives should be screened).

## STEP 4 — Decide
Order morning seated serum/plasma aldosterone and plasma renin concentration (or activity) with avoidance of dietary sodium restriction prior to testing; measure serum potassium for accurate interpretation.

## Clinical Guardrails / Mimics / Pitfalls
Do not rely on hypokalemia to rule out screening; do not delay screening until complications or resistant hypertension develop; avoid withholding screening due to mild or controlled hypertension; consider interfering medications (e.g., β‑blockers, ACEi/ARBs) but still screen, repeating if needed after medication withdrawal.

## Concrete Clinical Example
A 58‑year‑old with stage 2 hypertension (BP 165/100 mmHg) on lisinopril and hydrochlorothiazide asks whether they should be screened for PA. According to the guideline, screen all hypertensives, so order aldosterone and renin levels.

**Source:** Primary Aldosteronism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline, Endocrine Society, 2025, DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaf284