Aldosterone

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Drug interactions to be noted: 1. Potassium wasting diuretics( Spironolactone, Eplerenone, Amiloride and Triamterene) should be discontinued at least for 4 weeks; 2. Adrenergic beta blockers, Clonidine, Methyldopa, NSAIDs, Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, Angiotensin receptor blockers, Renin inhibitors and Dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists should be discontinued for 2 weeks. If necessary to maintain hypertension control, patients should be treated with other antihypertensive medications like Verapamil slow-release, Hydralazine, Prazosin, Doxazosin & Terazosin that have lesser effects on Plasma renin & aldosterone levels. Any change in medication should be done in consultation with treating physician.
Patient should be ambulatory / upright 2 hours prior to sampling.

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.

Aldosterone

Understanding Aldosterone

What is Aldosterone?

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