Aldosterone (serum) | Laboratory research

General Information

Aldosterone

A steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol in the cells of the glomerular layer of the adrenal cortex. It is the main and most potent mineralocorticoid. It is metabolized in the liver and kidneys, which leads to an increase in the reabsorption of sodium and chlorine in the renal tubules. As a result, sodium and chlorine retention is observed in the body, a decrease in fluid excretion in the urine, and a simultaneous increase in potassium excretion. Aldosterone is involved in the regulation of electrolyte balance, maintenance of blood volume, and maintenance of blood pressure.

Normal secretion of the hormone depends on many factors – the activity of the renin-angiotensin system, potassium content (hyperkalemia stimulates, while hypokalemia suppresses, aldosterone production), ACTH (under physiological conditions, a short-term increase in aldosterone secretion is not the main factor regulating secretion), magnesium and sodium in the blood.

Excess hormone causes hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, marked sodium retention, and increased urinary potassium excretion, which is clinically manifested as arterial hypertension, muscle weakness, seizures and paresthesias, and arrhythmias.

In primary hyperaldosteronism (Cone syndrome) there is an autonomic increase in aldosterone secretion, the most common cause of which is adenoma of the glomerular zone of the adrenal cortex (up to 62%).

Secondary hyperaldosteronism is associated with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis and ascites, certain kidney diseases, high-potassium and low-sodium diets, toxicosis in pregnant women, all cases of renal artery stenosis (2-3%).

Primary hyperaldosteronism is characterized by an increase in aldosterone levels, low plasma renin activity, for secondary hyperaldosteronism - an increase in aldosterone concentration, combined with high plasma renin activity.

Usually, hypoaldosteronism is accompanied by hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, decreased urinary potassium excretion and increased sodium excretion, metabolic acidosis, and hypotension. The most common cause of this condition is a decrease in renin due to kidney damage (hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism), especially in diabetics.

Chronic adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), autoimmune pathology of the adrenal glands, amyloidosis are accompanied by a decrease in aldosterone levels and an increase in plasma renin.

Before the test, the patient needs to be weaned off medications that affect this hormone level.