A patient with hypertension has unusually low plasma renin activity. What distinguishes primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) from secondary hyperaldosteronism in this patient?

💡 Explanation

In primary hyperaldosteronism, aldosterone production is autonomous, stemming from an adrenal adenoma or hyperplasia, because it is independent of the renin-angiotensin system. Therefore, the correct answer is autonomous aldosterone production, rather than angiotensin II-dependent aldosterone increases as observed in secondary hyperaldosteronism.

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