Lightweight device detects hidden hormonal patterns for early hypertension diagnosis

A lightweight device developed by researchers in Britain has revealed hidden hormonal patterns that could help diagnose one of the most common causes of high blood pressure at an earlier stage.

A study published by Medical Xpress found that some patients experience repeated hormonal surges during the night that are not detected by conventional blood tests.

The research focused on primary aldosteronism, a hormonal disorder that may affect up to one in five people with hypertension and is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health problems.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Universities of Bristol and Manchester in the UK and the University of Bergen in Norway, in collaboration with teams from Stockholm and Athens.

The team monitored hormone levels in 60 patients from several European cities over a 24-hour period using a lightweight, mobile phone-sized device worn on the waist. The device measures hormones through the skin every 20 minutes during daily activities and sleep, eliminating the need for hospital stays.

Data showed that patients with primary aldosteronism do not have persistently high hormone levels, but instead experience repeated surges, especially at night.

Dr. Thomas Upton, a researcher at the University of Bristol, explained that the complexity of current diagnostic procedures and fluctuations in hormone levels throughout the day can lead to delayed or missed diagnoses.

Upton added that monitoring patients at home allowed researchers to observe how hormone levels change over time and under real-life conditions, which could help improve diagnosis and reduce cardiovascular complications in the future.

The researchers focused on aldosterone and two related hormones. Results showed that hormone levels could return to low ranges at certain times, even in severe cases, meaning a single blood test may miss the disorder. Continuous monitoring, however, revealed repeated nighttime surges, particularly in patients with a problem in one adrenal gland. These abnormal patterns disappeared after removal of the affected gland.

Dr. Eder Zavala noted that continuous hormone monitoring uncovered a pattern of nighttime surges that had not been previously recognized, and that mathematical analysis of these changes could help in early detection and improved treatment of hypertension.

Professor Stafford Lightman believes the findings could change how primary aldosteronism is diagnosed, shifting from single blood tests to tracking hormonal changes throughout the day, with special attention to nighttime patterns.

The researchers stress the need for further studies to determine the best ways to use continuous hormone measurement in clinical practice, which could aid in earlier detection and treatment of the disorder.