Final answer:
Addison's disease is characterized by the hyposecretion of adrenal cortical hormones, leading to decreased blood sodium levels, increased blood potassium levels, and lower blood pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Addison's disease is a condition that occurs due to the hyposecretion of cortical hormones, specifically cortisol and aldosterone. This disease leads to a multitude of symptoms and complications related to electrolyte balance and blood pressure. One key function of aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid hormone, is to regulate sodium and potassium levels in the blood. A hyposecretion of aldosterone in Addison's disease results in a loss of sodium in the urine, as well as decreased reabsorption of sodium in the renal tubules. Consequently, this leads to lower blood sodium levels, which is one of the symptoms of Addison's disease. Moreover, the lack of aldosterone causes the retention of potassium, resulting in increased blood potassium levels, also known as hyperkalemia. Additionally, because aldosterone helps to manage blood volume and pressure by conserving sodium and water, its deficiency causes a reduction in blood pressure. Therefore, people with Addison's disease often experience symptoms such as low blood pressure, salt cravings, fatigue, and hyperpigmentation of the skin.