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Aldosterone

The Aldosterone Test

Aldosterone

Main Entry: al•do•ste•rone
Pronunciation: al- däs-t - r n; al-d - sti( )r- n, -st - r n
Function: noun

: A steroid hormone C21H28O5 of the adrenal cortex that functions in the regulation of the salt and water balance of the body.

Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal glands. It is part of the complex mechanism used by the body to regulate blood pressure.

Aldosterone is the main sodium retaining hormone from the adrenal gland. It increases the re-absorption of sodium and water along with the excretion of potassium in the distal tubules of the kidneys. This action raises blood pressure.

Aldosterone also:
 

• Acts on sweat glands to reduce the loss of sodium in perspiration;

• Acts on taste cells to increase the sensitivity of the taste buds to sources of sodium.

The Aldosterone Test

The hormone aldosterone is produced by the adrenal glands, and is carried through the blood. An aldosterone test is done to measure the level of aldosterone in the blood. Aldosterone helps to regulate the levels of sodium and potassium the body, which in turn helps control blood pressure, the distribution of fluids in the body, and the balance of electrolytes in the blood.
A high level of aldosterone can cause a condition called aldosteronism or hyperaldosteronism. Symptoms of aldosteronism include:
 

• High blood pressure

• Muscle cramps and weakness

• Numbness or tingling in the hands

• Low levels of potassium in the blood

Low aldosterone levels may indicate Addison’s disease, or may occur in people who have diabetes.

The hormone rennin, produced by the kidneys, normally stimulates the adrenal glands to release aldosterone. High levels of both renin and aldosterone are normally present when the body is trying to conserve fluid and salt (sodium). If a tumor is present, a test will show that aldosterone levels are high, while a renin level will be low. Usually a renin activity test is done when the aldosterone level is measured.
Aldosterone levels may vary between males and females, and can be dependent on the amount of salt in a person's diet. In pregnant women, normal aldosterone values may be 2 to 3 times higher than in women who are not pregnant. Normal aldosterone levels in infants and children may be significantly higher than those of adults.