Test Details
Aldosterone
Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that regulates levels of sodium and potassium, fluid volume and blood pressure.
Methodology
Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)
Patient Preparation
Blood should be drawn after an afternoon fast except water, and the patient should have been in the sitting position for at least 5 minutes.
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST / Tiger Top)
Alternate Specimen
N/A
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 5 days
Lab Values
Aldosterone
- Low: <7.0 ng/dL
- Normal: 7.0-25.0 ng/dL
- High: >25.0 ng/dL
Clinical Significance
Aldosterone
Hyperaldosteronism is the most common cause of secondary hypertension and is a disorder caused by excessive secretion of aldosterone by the adrenal gland. This may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and hypertension.
Hypoaldosteronism is associated with low serum aldosterone levels and persistent elevations of serum potassium in the absence of renal dysfunction, use of potassium supplements, or potassium sparing diuretics.
Treatment Options
Aldosterone
Hyperaldosteronism
- Identify etiology of elevated aldosterone with additional diagnostic tests as indicated.
- ACE inhibitors lower aldosterone production and normalize blood pressure and serum potassium levels.
- Spironolactone and eplerenone block the aldosterone receptor leading to lower blood pressure and also normalize serum potassium levels.
Hypoaldosteronism
- Treatment depends on the underlying cause as determined by additional diagnostic tests as indicated.
