FRI122 Determinants Of Primary Aldosteronism Screening In The US: A Nationwide Physician Survey Study

Disclosure: A.F. Turcu: None. Z. Salman: None. S.M. Konzen: None. L. Zhang: None. H. Liu: None. L. Zhao: None. T. Suzer Gurtekin: None. M. Papaleontiou: None. Background: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension, affecting up to 25% of patients with treatment-resistant hypertension. PA contributes to cardiovascular and renal morbidity and mortality, via mechanisms additive to hypertension. Early detection and targeted therapy of PA mitigate the risk of such complications. Despite this, only a minute fraction of patients at risk are ever screened for PA. Objective: To ascertain triggers and barriers for PA screening across US practices. Methods: Physicians treating hypertension, including internists, family practitioners, cardiologists, nephrologists, and endocrinologists, were randomly selected from active members of the American Medical Association. Physicians were surveyed on their practice of PA screening. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with PA screening. Results: Of 633 response-eligible physicians, 425 (67%) completed the survey, including 32.4% family practitioners, 26.9% internists, 13.2% cardiologists, 12.2% endocrinologists, and 11.8% Nephrologists. Of the respondents, 230 (55.2%) were men; 63% identified as White, 24% Asian, and 6% Black. Most participants reported that resistant hypertension (84.5%), and hypertension and spontaneous hypokalemia (81.4%) prompt them to screen for PA. Conversely, a minority reported diuretic-induced hypokalemia (26%), obstructive sleep apnea (10%), or atrial fibrillation (6.2%) as triggers for PA screening. Compared with internists, endocrinologists and nephrologists were more likely, and family practitioners were less likely to screen for PA in patients with hypertension and hypokalemia, early-onset hypertension, or adrenal nodules. Barriers to PA screening included clinic visit time constraints (37.4%), poor ancillary support (28.1%), testing logistic concerns (26.2%), ability to control hypertension with medications (20.5%), and belief that PA is rare (20.2%). Female physicians and family practitioners were more likely to report not being familiar with results’ interpretation and next steps, and not having time to keep abreast with expert guidelines; private practitioners were most likely to report reimbursement concerns. Conclusions: Heterogeneity in screening for PA exists among physicians at the frontline of hypertension care. Increasing awareness and developing tools to facilitate PA screening are crucial for the recognition and adequate care of millions of patients with hypertension. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023