Guidelines and Barriers to Hypercortisolism Screening in Cardiology

This episode, titled ‘Guidelines and Barriers to Hypercortisolism Screening in Cardiology,’ features panelists discussing how recent clinical evidence and updated expert recommendations may influence the recognition and screening of hypercortisolism in patients with resistant hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Expert cardiology faculty examine the implications of the 2026 AACE Consensus Statement, which highlights cortisol excess as a potential contributor to difficult-to-control cardiometabolic conditions and encourages consideration of hypercortisolism in appropriate patients.

The panel explores how emerging data have reshaped their understanding of hypercortisolism and discuss why screening for cortisol excess may warrant greater attention in cardiovascular practice. They consider the role cardiologists can play in identifying patients with resistant hypertension who may benefit from further evaluation and reflect on the growing evidence supporting routine consideration of hypercortisolism in this population.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists address practical barriers that may limit broader adoption of screening strategies, including awareness gaps, competing clinical priorities, and uncertainty regarding responsibility for diagnosis and management. The expert faculty emphasize that initial screening can be straightforward and discuss opportunities to improve implementation through clinician education, patient awareness initiatives, and integration of screening prompts into clinical workflows.

The panel of experts also highlights the importance of collaboration between cardiology, primary care, and endocrinology to ensure that patients with suspected hypercortisolism are identified and appropriately evaluated. By focusing on both evidence-based recommendations and real-world implementation challenges, the discussion provides practical insights into how screening practices may evolve as awareness of hypercortisolism continues to grow.

In the next episode, ‘Hypercortisolism Insights from MOMENTUM and CATALYST Trials’, panelists will discuss key findings from the MOMENTUM and CATALYST studies and explore how hypercortisolism may contribute to resistant hypertension and difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes. They will highlight emerging evidence supporting targeted treatment approaches and the potential role of precision medicine in improving cardiometabolic outcomes.