An aldosterone test measures the amount of the hormone aldosterone in blood.
How the test is performedBlood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testYour doctor may instruct you about your salt intake before the test.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis test is performed to investigate:
Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal glands. It helps the body regulate blood pressure.
Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium and water and the release of potassium in the kidneys. This action raises blood pressure.
Often, blood aldosterone levels are combined with other tests to diagnose over- or under-production of the hormone. These tests may include:
Lying down: 2 to 16 ng/dL
Upright: 5 to 41 ng/dL
Note: ng/dL = nanograms per deciliter
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanHigher than normal levels of aldosterone may indicate:
Lower than normal levels of aldosterone may indicate:
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
Factors that can affect aldosterone measurements include:
Many medications can influence aldosterone levels, including:
Nieman LK. Adrenal cortex. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 245.
An aldosterone test measures the amount of the hormone aldosterone in blood.
How the test is performedA blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture
How to prepare for the testYour doctor may tell you how much salt you can eat before the test.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis test is performed for:
Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal glands. It helps the body regulate blood pressure.
Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium and water and the release of potassium in the kidneys. This action raises blood pressure.
Often, blood aldosterone levels are combined with other tests to diagnose over- or under-production of the hormone. These tests may include:
Normal levels vary:
Normal values vary from lab to lab. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanHigher than normal levels of aldosterone may indicate:
Lower than normal levels of aldosterone may indicate:
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
Factors that can affect aldosterone measurements include:
Many medications can influence aldosterone levels, including:
Nieman LK. Adrenal cortex. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 245.
Young WF Jr. Endocrine hypertension. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 16.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 07/26/2011
Nancy J. Rennert, MD, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Aldosterone will cause Na+ to be absorbed from a filtrate
Aldosterone promotes water retention and reduces urine volume
It decreases the affect of aldosterone secretion.
Aldosterone is primarily regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. To increase aldosterone levels, factors that can stimulate its production include low blood pressure, low blood volume, high potassium levels, and high Angiotensin II levels. These conditions can trigger the release of aldosterone from the adrenal glands.
Aldosterone is a hormone, so it gets to the kidneys via the blood stream.
Aldosterone causes sodium to be retained and potassium to be excreted and blood pressure to rise.
Aldosterone is sensitive to a few different things. The main thing it is sensitive to is the kidneys.
ADT
Aldosterone
Aldosterone is regulated by negative feedback system except in cases of dehydration in which high sodium levels stimulate more production of aldosterone. Normally negative feedback regulates production.
Aldosterone is a mineralocoricoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex.
Natriuretic hormones