Medical Health Encyclopedia

Aldosterone

Why the test is performed:

This test is performed to investigate hard-to-control blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension and certain fluid and electrolyte disorders.

Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal glands. It is part of the complex mechanism used by the body to regulate blood pressure. Aldosterone is the main sodium-retaining hormone from the adrenal gland. It increases the reabsorption of sodium and water along with the excretion of potassium in the distal tubules of the kidneys. This action raises blood pressure.

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Frequently, blood aldosterone levels are combined with other blood tests (plasma renin activity) or provocative tests (captopril test, intravenous saline infusion test or ACTH infusion test) in order to diagnosis over- or under-production of the hormone.

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