Hypercortisolism & Resistant Hypertension — MOMENTUM (ACC.26)
Hypercortisolism & Resistant Hypertension — MOMENTUM (ACC.26)
Source: April 13, 2026 (medical news coverage of ACC.26 Scientific Session Late-Breaking Data, March 2026)
Key Findings
• Resistant HTN ≈ 13% of all hypertension
• MOMENTUM study (>1,000 patients with resistant HTN)
• Hypercortisolism: 27.3% → unexpectedly high
How to detect
• Simple test: overnight dexamethasone suppression screening test
(used in all patients with resistant HTN in the study)
Additional findings (after screening)
• Adrenal nodules: ~25% → potential surgical targets
• Hyperaldosteronism: ~20%
• Both conditions: ~6%
Clinical meaning
• Hormonal causes are common and underdiagnosed
• Supports screening for secondary hypertension
• May explain variable treatment response (e.g., renal denervation)
Practical takeaway
Consider broader screening in:
• Resistant HTN
• Poor response to therapy
• Suspicious clinical context
Not guideline-mandated yet… but increasingly hard to ignore