Aldosterone in BloodTest Overview
An aldosterone test measures the level of
aldosterone (a
hormone made by the
adrenal glands), in the blood. Aldosterone helps
regulate
sodium and
potassium levels in the body. This helps control blood
pressure and the balance of fluids and
electrolytes in the blood. The kidney
hormone
renin normally stimulates the adrenal glands to
release aldosterone. High levels of both renin and aldosterone are normally
present when the body is trying to conserve fluid and salt (sodium). When a
tumor that makes aldosterone is present, your aldosterone level will be high
while a renin level will be low. Usually a renin activity test is done when the
aldosterone level is measured.
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