Aldosterone
Understanding Aldosterone
What is Aldosterone?
A serum aldosterone test (ALD), commonly known as aldosterone, measures the aldosterone level in the blood or urine. Aldosterone is a corticosteroid hormone that regulates the body’s blood pressure. Aldosterone levels are indicative of water and electrolyte imbalance in the body.
Extremely low levels of aldosterone in the blood (hypoaldosteronism) lead to low sodium levels and high potassium, resulting in low blood pressure, salt craving, fatigue, weight loss, and decreased appetite.
When the adrenal glands secrete too much aldosterone, it causes hyperaldosteronism. The potassium levels are low, resulting in muscular spasms and weakness. This condition causes headaches, numbness, and high blood pressure.
The test results can help diagnose any underlying cause of high blood pressure, adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s disease, tumor, narrowing of the renal artery, congestive heart failure, and kidney ailment.