However, these two conditions can be differentiated by measuring plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone levels. Hyperaldosteronism is characterized by excessive aldosterone production leading to sodium retention, potassium loss, and hypertension, while pseudohyperaldosteronism mimics these effects through mechanisms other than elevated aldosterone, such as cortisol activating mineralocorticoid receptors. This evidence concerns the gene REN and hyperaldosteronism.