Aldosterone
ALD
Description
"Aldosterone" test evaluates how much aldosterone your adrenal glands produce, helping regulate blood pressure by managing sodium and potassium levels. Doctors often order this test when symptoms like high blood pressure, muscle weakness, or fluid imbalance are present. Abnormal results may suggest conditions such as hyperaldosteronism or Addison’s disease. Blood or urine samples reveal whether aldosterone levels are too high or too low. Results guide treatment adjustments, helping restore fluid and electrolyte balance through medication or further testing.
Test Category
Hormones
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Nanograms Per Deciliter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Complete Adrenal Group, Hormone Health Group
Test Group Description
Complete Adrenal Group: Essential tests for a comprehensive evaluation of adrenal gland function, aiding in the diagnosis and management of adrenal disorders. Hormone Health Group: Its focus is on evaluating hormone levels and function, providing insights into hormonal balance and associated health conditions.
Optimal Range
Children (≤ 10 years):
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Frequently Used
Adults (≥ 11 years):
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Frequently Used
Normal Range
For Children (≤ 10 years):
Conventional Unit: 6.50–154.00 ng/dL
SI Unit: Not Frequently Used
For Adults (≥ 11 years):
Conventional Unit: ≤ 21.00 ng/dL (supine) | ≤ 124.00 ng/dL (upright)
SI Unit: Not Frequently Used
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Adrenal cortical nodular hyperplasia (enlargement of the adrenal cortex)
Aldosterone-producing adrenal adenoma (benign tumor producing aldosterone hormone)
Bartter syndrome (genetic disorder affecting kidney function)
Cushing syndrome (excessive cortisol production)
Generalized edema (swelling throughout the body)
...
Key Reasons For Testing
Blood Pressure Regulation: Evaluates aldosterone’s role in managing sodium, potassium, and blood pressure.
Diagnosis of Primary Aldosteronism: Identifies conditions like Conn’s syndrome, linked to high blood pressure and low potassium.
Secondary Hypertension Evaluation: Detects adrenal-related causes of high blood pressure.
Potassium Balance Regulation: Monitors aldosterone’s effect on potassium excretion and heart health.
Investigation of Adrenal Disorders: Assesses adrenal gland function for overproduction or deficiency of aldosterone.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Young WF. Primary aldosteronism: renaissance of a syndrome. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2007;66(5):607-618.
[2] Conn JW. Presidential address. I. Painting background. II. Primary aldosteronism, a new clinical syndrome. J Lab Clin Med. 1955;45(1):3-17.
[3] Funder JW, Carey RM, Mantero F, et al. The management of primary aldosteronism: case detection, diagnosis, and treatment: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(5):1889-1916.
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[10] Reincke M, Fischer E, Gerum S, et al. Observational study in primary aldosteronism: the German Conn’s registry. Hypertension. 2012;60(3):618-624.
[11] Omura M, Saito J, Yamaguchi K, et al. Prospective study on the prevalence of secondary hypertension among hypertensive patients visiting a general outpatient clinic in Japan. Hypertens Res. 2004;27(3):193-202.
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