Key words: Primary aldosteronism, vascular calcification, PTH, arterial hypertension, vitamin K, phosphate binders

"The role of Aldosterone and PTH in Human Primary Aldosteronism and Vascular Calcification"

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent 31% of global deaths. Considering the vast impact of CVD on healthcare systems, it is fundamentally important to investigate the most prevalent complications of CVD, such as vascular calcification. The key objective of this thesis was to gain further insight into the mechanisms by which aldosterone synthesis is regulated with an overall impact on the cardiovascular system. This was done by dissecting the molecular effectors of hyperaldosteronism in animal models. One of the conclusions was that use of phosphate binders in combination with high intake of vitamin K significantly decreases vascular calcification in CKD rats as compared to vitamin K or phosphate binders alone.