Examinations
Examinations
Aldosterone – A Key Regulator of Sodium, Potassium, and Blood Pressure
Aldosterone is a hormone synthesized in the adrenal glands that regulates sodium and potassium balance in the blood and helps maintain blood pressure. Its production is controlled by the renin-angiotensin system.
How Aldosterone Works
- Renin, an enzyme secreted by the kidneys, is released when blood pressure drops, sodium levels decrease, or potassium levels rise.
- Renin converts angiotensinogen into angiotensin I, which is further transformed into angiotensin II.
- Angiotensin II constricts blood vessels and stimulates aldosterone production.
- Aldosterone promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion, leading to increased blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
- Limit carbohydrate intake for 14–30 days before the test.
- Discontinue diuretics, blood pressure medications, steroids, oral contraceptives, and estrogen-containing drugs 14–30 days before the test (as per physician’s guidance).
- Stop renin inhibitors 7 days before the test.
- Avoid physical and emotional stress for 72 hours before the test.
- Do not smoke for at least 3 hours before the test.
- High blood pressure with low potassium levels.
- Resistance to antihypertensive medications.
- Unusually high blood pressure at a young age.
- Suspected adrenal insufficiency.
Elevated Aldosterone Levels
- Conn’s Syndrome (Primary Hyperaldosteronism) – Overproduction of aldosterone due to adrenal gland inflammation.
- Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia – Enlargement of both adrenal glands.
- Congenital Liver Cirrhosis.
- Heart Failure.
- Internal Bleeding.
- Secondary Hyperaldosteronism, caused by:
- Excessive diuretic use.
- Heart failure.
- Liver cirrhosis.
- Pregnancy.
- Prolonged fasting.
- Bartter’s Syndrome.
Decreased Aldosterone Levels
- Addison’s Disease – Adrenal gland insufficiency.
- Adrenogenital Syndrome – A genetic disorder affecting steroid hormone production.
- Hypertension during pregnancy.
- Excessive salt consumption.