Test Details & Preparation

• Aldosterone and Renin test is done to determine if your aldosterone and renin levels are abnormal, to help diagnose a hormonal (endocrine) disorder such as primary aldosteronism (PA, Conn syndrome).


• Aldosterone and Renin test is performed when you develop symptoms or signs associated with increased aldosterone production, such as elevated blood pressure, muscle weakness, and low potassium, or low aldosterone production, such as low blood pressure, high potassium, and low sodium.


• A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm or a 24-hour urine sample sometimes blood from the kidney (renal) or adrenal veins is also collected.


• For a blood aldosterone and renin measurement, your doctor may ask you to be upright or lying down (e.g., for 15-30 minutes) prior to drawing blood. You may also be instructed to avoid certain foods, beverages, or medications before aldosterone and renin test.


• A blood aldosterone test and a renin test are usually ordered together when someone has high blood pressure, especially if the person also has low potassium.


• Even if potassium is normal, testing may be done if typical medications do not control the high blood pressure or if hypertension develops at an early age.


• Aldosterone levels are occasionally ordered, along with other tests, when a doctor suspects that someone has adrenal insufficiency.


• Primary aldosteronism (Conn syndrome) is caused by the overproduction of aldosterone by the adrenal glands, usually by a benign tumour of one of the glands. The high aldosterone level increases reabsorption of sodium (salt) and loss of potassium by the kidneys, often resulting in an electrolyte imbalance.


• Secondary aldosteronism, which is more common than primary aldosteronism, is caused by anything that leads to excess aldosterone, other than a disorder of the adrenal glands. It could be caused by any condition that decreases blood flow to the kidneys, decreases blood pressure, or lowers sodium levels.


• Low aldosterone (hypoaldosteronism) usually occurs as part of adrenal insufficiency it causes dehydration, low blood pressure, a low blood sodium level, and a high potassium level.