Aldosterone
An aldosterone test measures the amount of the hormone aldosterone in blood.
How the test is performed
A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture
How to prepare for the test
Your doctor may tell you how much salt you can eat before the test.
How the test will feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performed
This test is performed for:
Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal glands
. It helps the body regulate blood pressure.
Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium and water and the release of potassium in the kidneys. This action raises blood pressure.
Often, blood aldosterone levels are combined with other tests to diagnose over- or under-production of the hormone. These tests may include:
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Intravenous saline infusion test
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Renin - aldosterone ratio
Normal Values
Normal levels vary:
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Between children, teens, and adults
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Depending on whether you were standing, sitting, or lying down when the blood was drawn
Normal values vary from lab to lab. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results.
What abnormal results mean
Higher than normal levels of aldosterone may indicate:
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- Secondary hyperaldosteronism from heart or kidney disease
- Very low-sodium diet
Lower than normal levels of aldosterone may indicate:
What the risks are
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Special considerations
Factors that can affect aldosterone measurements include:
- Amount of salt in the diet
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Strenuous exercise
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Stress
Many medications can influence aldosterone levels, including:
References
Nieman LK. Adrenal cortex. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 245.
Young WF Jr. Endocrine hypertension. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 16.
Updated: 7/26/2011
Nancy J. Rennert, MD, Chief of Endocrinology & Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.