Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is aldosterone?
- When should I take aldosterone?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before taking aldosterone?
- Process
- What should I do before taking aldosterone?
- How is aldosterone processed?
- What should I do after taking aldosterone?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
Definition
What is aldosterone?
The aldosterone test is used to measure the level of aldosterone (a hormone made by the adrenal glands) in the blood. Aldosterone plays a role in regulating sodium and potassium levels in the body. With aldosterone, blood pressure and fluid and electrolyte balance in the blood can be maintained.
The kidney hormone, renin, stimulates the adrenal glands to release aldosterone. High levels of aldosterone and renin can occur when the body is trying to conserve fluids and salt (sodium). In contrast to the case when there is a tumor, aldosterone levels will be high while renin levels will be low.
When should I take aldosterone?
This test can be done if:
- there are fluid and electrolyte disturbances
- difficulty controlling blood pressure
- low blood pressure after standing (orthostatic hypotension)
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before taking aldosterone?
Basically, the aldosterone level in a blood sample can change depending on where you were when the blood was drawn. To avoid this, your doctor may order a urine test (24 hours) instead of a blood test. If you have an overactive adrenal gland or an adrenal growth disorder, your potassium levels can also be tested.
Process
What should I do before taking aldosterone?
There is no special preparation before undergoing this test. However, if you have a series of aldosterone tests in your blood, your doctor will give you the following instructions:
- consume foods with the normal amount of sodium (2,300 mg per day) for 2 weeks before the test. Avoid foods that are very salty, such as bacon, canned soups and vegetables, olives, stock, soy sauce, and snacks such as potato chips or pretzels. If you are on a low-salt diet, be sure to tell your doctor, as a low-salt diet can raise aldosterone levels
- avoid black licorice (liquorice) for 2 weeks before the test
In addition, make sure you tell your doctor about any medicines you take, whether your doctor prescribes them or not. Several types of drugs can affect the results of the lab findings.
How is aldosterone processed?
The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:
- wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
- clean the area to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
- Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
- untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
- sticking gauze or cotton on the injection site, after the injection is complete
- apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on
What should I do after taking aldosterone?
After the test, you can return home. Usually, the test results will come out in 2 to 5 days. You will be given further instructions by the doctor. The aldosterone test is often done in conjunction with other tests, such as the renin test. Usually, tests are done to diagnose both an over and under production of aldosterone.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my test results mean?
The aldosterone level in a blood sample can change depending on where you were when the blood was drawn. Your blood aldosterone levels will be higher if you stand or sit for 2 hours before the test.
Normal:
The normal range for an aldosterone blood test may vary depending on the laboratory you choose. The ranges listed here are descriptions of acceptable yield ranges. The doctor will check the test results taking into account the patient's health condition as well as various factors that can affect the test results. Discuss with your doctor if you have any questions about your test results.
| Aldosterone in the blood | |||
| Children | Youth | Adult | |
| Standing or sitting position |
5–80 nanograms per deciliter (ng / dL) or 0.14–2.22nmol / L |
4–48 ng / dL or 0.11–1.33 nmol / L | 7–30 ng / dL or 0.19–0.83 nmol / L |
| Reclining position | 3–35 ng / dL or 0.08–0.97 nmol / L | 2–22 ng / dL or 0.06–0.61 nmol / L | 3–16 ng / dL or 0.08–0.44 nmol / L |
An overgrowth of normal cells in the adrenal glands (called adrenal hyperplasia) or an adrenal gland tumor affects the adrenal glands and causes a condition called primary aldosteronism. Certain diseases such as heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney disease can also cause high aldosterone levels. However, this condition is a normal response from the adrenal glands. This disease causes secondary aldosteronism.
| Aldosterone and Renin levels | ||
| Aldosterone | Renin | |
| Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) | High | Low |
| Secondary Hyperaldosteronism | High | High |
Abnormal
The index goes up
Increased levels of aldosterone are caused by:
- tumor of the adrenal gland (Conn's syndrome)
- Kidney illness
- liver disease
- heart failure
- dehydration
- preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
Symptoms of a high aldosterone level include high blood pressure, muscle cramps and weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands, and low levels of potassium in the blood.
Index goes down
Addison's disease and some types of kidney disease can cause low aldosterone levels.
