Understanding the Aldosterone Test: Why It Matters for Blood Pressure and Overall Health
The adrenal glands in the body secrete a hormone called aldosterone (ALD) that regulates blood pressure. The aldosterone test measures the level of this hormone in the body. Abnormal ALD levels are dangerous and require immediate medical attention. Understanding the aldosterone test can help one better prepare for any medical emergency related to high and low blood pressure.
This article discusses the aldosterone test, why it is required, how to prepare for it, and more.
What is the Aldosterone Test?
An aldosterone test determines the level of aldosterone hormone in the blood or urine.
The aldosterone hormone maintains the body’s sodium and potassium balance, which ensures stable blood pressure. If the blood pressure becomes low, the aldosterone hormone signals the kidneys to eliminate excess potassium through urine, raising blood pressure.
Abnormal aldosterone levels can indicate various conditions, including high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and kidney and heart problems.
When is the Aldosterone Test Done?
A doctor can recommend an aldosterone test when the patient has abnormal sodium and potassium results along with symptoms of abnormal ALD levels. These symptoms include:
• High blood pressure
• Muscle weakness, cramps, or spasms
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat
• Excessive thirst and urination
• Low blood pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
Why is an Aldosterone Test Required?
Doctors use the aldosterone and renin test to diagnose the cause of high blood pressure that:
• Occurs with low potassium levels
• Develops at a young age
• Does not improve with medication
The ALD test can also help diagnose:
• Low blood pressure due to standing up
• Heart problems
• Kidney problems
• Disease of adrenal glands
• Abnormal sodium and potassium levels
How to Prepare for an Aldosterone Test?
As ALD levels vary throughout the day, the doctor can advise a particular time for the test. To prepare for the test, one must follow the guidelines given here:
1. Follow a sodium-restricted diet (for two weeks before the test)
2. Avoid strenuous exercise
3. Avoid eating liquorice (at least two weeks before the test)
All these activities can affect the ALD levels before the test. It is also critical to inform the doctor or healthcare provider about routine medications before scheduling the test.
What is the Procedure for an Aldosterone Level Test?
The procedure for an aldosterone test is as follows:
1. Aldosterone Blood Test
In an ALD blood test, the doctor or healthcare provider usually collects blood from a vein in the arm using a needle. The collected blood is stored in a small vial. The entire test is over in about five minutes.
Since the ALD level changes when standing up or lying down, the doctor can collect blood in both cases for testing.
2. Aldosterone Urine Test
An ALD urine test requires the collection of urine over 24 hours and involves the following steps:
• The doctor usually informs about the time of day to start urine collection.
• Urinate as usual for the first time, and note the time of urination.
• Collect urine from this time for 24 hours.
• Store the urine container in the refrigerator during this period.
• After 24 hours, return the container to the hospital or laboratory for testing.
How to Interpret the Results of an Aldosterone Test?
Doctors usually interpret ALD test results along with the results of other tests.
A result higher than the aldosterone level normal range can indicate:
1. Conn Syndrome: This condition is caused by a benign tumour on the adrenal glands leading to excess ALD production.
2. Secondary Aldosteronism: In this condition, the high ALD levels are due to some other problem, such as:
• Kidney disease
• Liver cirrhosis
• Dehydration
• Heart failure
• Preeclampsia
Lower than normal ALD levels can indicate:
1. Addison disease: This condition occurs due to adrenal gland damage caused by immune disorders, infections or cancer cells.
2. Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: A problem in the pituitary gland in the brain causes this condition.
3. Tertiary Adrenal Insufficiency: This condition occurs due to a problem with the hypothalamus gland responsible for signaling the pituitary gland. A usual cause of hypothalamus malfunction is suddenly stopping steroid medications after taking them for a long time.
4. Diabetes: While diabetes is not a primary cause of low aldosterone levels, complications like diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage) could indirectly affect aldosterone levels.
5. Medication: Certain medications, such as ibuprofen and heart failure medications, can lower aldosterone levels.
The aldosterone test is a blood or urine test that determines the levels of the aldosterone hormone. The aldosterone hormone is critical to maintaining a stable blood pressure. Abnormal levels of ALD hormone require immediate medical attention. Upon noticing high or low blood pressure symptoms, one should consult a doctor and book an aldosterone serum test at Dr Lal PathLabs.
FAQs
1. What are low aldosterone symptoms?
Symptoms of low aldosterone include:
• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscle weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
2. What are the risks of an aldosterone test?
Minimal risks from the aldosterone blood test can include slight pain or bruising at the site where the needle is inserted. There are no known risks associated with a urine aldosterone test.
