Aldosterone

Aldosterone is a hormone that helps regulate your body's balance of salt and water, which affects blood pressure.

📋 About This Biomarker

Aldosterone is like a key regulator in your body's balance of salt and water. Produced by your adrenal glands, which sit atop your kidneys, aldosterone helps control the levels of sodium and potassium in your blood. Think of it as a careful manager ensuring that just the right amount of water and salt is kept in your body. By doing this, aldosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood pressure and proper function of your heart and muscles.

When your body needs to adjust blood pressure or respond to changes in fluid balance, aldosterone steps in to tweak how much sodium and water your kidneys hold onto or release. This delicate balancing act helps keep your body's internal environment stable, which is essential for all your organs to work properly.

🎯 Why We Test This

Testing aldosterone levels can provide valuable insights into your blood pressure regulation and electrolyte balance. If you're experiencing high blood pressure that's hard to control, low blood pressure, or symptoms like muscle weakness or irregular heartbeats, checking aldosterone can help identify underlying issues with your adrenal glands or kidney function.

Understanding your aldosterone levels can guide your healthcare provider in diagnosing conditions like hyperaldosteronism or hypoaldosteronism and in developing an effective treatment plan.

⚠️ What Affects It

A variety of factors can influence aldosterone levels in your body. Your diet, especially your intake of salt (sodium), can have a significant impact. If you consume too much or too little salt, your body may adjust aldosterone production to compensate. Your posture can also make a difference; standing up can cause aldosterone levels to rise temporarily.

Certain medications, such as diuretics or blood pressure medicines, can alter aldosterone levels as well. Conditions like stress, dehydration, and even the time of day can affect how much aldosterone your adrenal glands produce.

📈 How to Improve

If your aldosterone levels are high or approaching the high side, lifestyle changes can make a difference. Reducing salt intake, managing stress, staying hydrated, and following a healthy diet can help lower aldosterone production. In some cases, medications might be necessary to block aldosterone's effects or address the underlying cause.

If aldosterone levels are low or near the low end, it's important to ensure you're getting enough fluids and salt, especially if experiencing symptoms like dizziness or fatigue. Your doctor might recommend adjustments in diet or medications to help increase aldosterone levels or counteract its effects. Regular monitoring and working closely with your healthcare provider are key to managing aldosterone levels effectively.

📊 Understanding Your Results (pmol/L)

Low (< 70 pmol/L)
Low aldosterone levels, a condition known as hypoaldosteronism, can cause your body to lose too much sodium and retain too much potassium. This imbalance might lead to symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, and heart rhythm problems. Causes can include adrenal gland disorders or certain medications. Identifying low aldosterone levels is important so that appropriate treatments can be started to restore balance and prevent complications.
Optimal (70 - 800 pmol/L)
Having aldosterone levels within the normal range indicates that your body's fluid and electrolyte balance is being well-regulated. Your adrenal glands are producing just the right amount of aldosterone to keep your blood pressure stable and ensure your muscles and nerves function properly. This balance is essential for overall health and well-being.
High (> 800 pmol/L)
When aldosterone levels are higher than normal, it might indicate that your body is retaining too much sodium and water, which can lead to high blood pressure. This condition is known as hyperaldosteronism. It can be caused by issues like overactive adrenal glands or an adrenal gland tumour. Symptoms might include muscle weakness, fatigue, or headaches. Detecting high aldosterone levels can help doctors identify and treat the underlying cause, potentially improving blood pressure control and reducing the risk of heart and kidney problems.
Also known as: ALD