An aldosterone The test determines the quantity of aldosterone (ALD) in blood or urine. ald is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, two small glands located above the kidneys. ald helps measure blood pressure. This is done by keeping the values of two electrolytes in the blood, sodium and potassium, in balance.
When blood pressure is very low, ALD tells the kidneys to release sodium from the blood and potassium through urine. This helps to increase water in the bloodstream so that blood pressure rises. When the blood pressure normalizes again, the ALD value decreases.
Abnormal ALD levels can lead to serious health conditions such as
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
- Complications due to abnormal sodium and potassium levels that may affect your heart, kidneys, and other parts of your body.
The ALD test, along with other studies, can diagnose adrenal disorders. It can also help find out how the adrenal glands work.
The ALD test is usually combined with a test to determine blood renin levels. This is called an aldosterone cut compliance test. Renin is a hormone that your kidneys produce when your blood pressure is very low. It is part of the difficult system that encourages your adrenals to arrange ALD.
Comparing renin and ALD values can help indicate whether abnormal ALD values are caused by adrenal tasks or tasks in the kidneys or other parts of the system that cause ALD.
Other names: aldosterone , serum; aldosterone Urine; Aldosterone Cut Test. Aldosterone Plasma Renin Power.
What is it used for?
An aldosterone （The (ALD) test is used primarily in renin testing to see if very large amounts of ALD are the cause of hypertension.
- It occurs with low potassium content.
- It is not improved by normal blood pressure medications.
- Occurs at younger ages.
ALD test is still in use.
- Diagnosis of adrenal disorders
- Electrolyte test to find cause of abnormal sodium or potassium levels
- Find the cause of orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure that makes you dizzy when you get up or lie down).
Why do I need an aldosterone test?
If you think you have very high or very low blood pressure, you may need this test. aldosterone (ALD).
Signs and symptoms of very high ALD (called hyperaldosteronism or aldosterone) include
- High blood pressure
- Low potassium test results and/or low sodium test results
- Muscleline force, cramps, spasms
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Arithm (heartbeat speed or rhythm problems)
- Increased thirst and peeing
Very few signs and symptoms of ALD (called hypoadosteronism) include
- Low blood pressure
- Test results showing potassium and/or low sodium levels
- Fatigue
- muscle weakness
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- Abdominal pain
What happens during an aldosterone test?
An aldosterone (ALD tests use blood or urine samples; tests that correlate ALD with renin levels use blood samples.
During the blood test, a care provider equipped with a small needle draws a blood sample from a vein in the arm. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected into a test tube or vial. Some pressure can be felt when the needle is in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Depending on whether you are standing or lying, the amount of ALD in your blood will vary. Therefore, you will be asked to lie down or to support the test. You can test in both positions.
For the Aldurinet test, the physician may ask you to absorb all urine within 24 hours. There are special urine shelters and instructions on how to absorb and store the sample. Your doctor will tell you when you should begin. The analysis usually consists of the following steps
- Urine (pee) in the toilet, as you would normally do. Do not collect this urine. Note the time you peeed.
- Collect all urine in a container within 24 hours.
- Keep the urine container in a freezer or ice cooler during the collection period.
- Remember to urinate 24 hours after the start of the test, if possible. This is the last collection of urine for testing.
- Hand in the urine container as directed to your care provider’s office or lab.
Need to prepare for the test?
Follow your physician’s instructions. You should probably stop taking certain medications before the test. This also applies to certain prescription drugs. For example, you should tell your physician everything you take. However, do not stop taking prescription drugs unless your doctor tells you that you need to stop.
You can also be asked to limit the amount of salt you eat each day about two months before the test. Your doctor will tell you how to limit the amount of salt in your menu.
There is no obligation to eat natural, dark-colored drops at least two weeks before the test. This is because it could affect the results. Most drop products in the U.S. do not contain natural drops. However, if you still eat the drops, certainly check the ingredient labels.
Was there any risk in the test?
The blood test is relatively risk-free. You can get a little soreness or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most signs disappear quickly.
Urine tests have no general risk.
What do the results mean?
To understand what the results of your test mean, your doctor will see you aldosterone (ALD) value along with the results of other studies. Ask your doctor to tell you what your results say about your well–being.
Generally, higher than normal could mean that you have
- primary aldosterone (also called CONN syndrome). This condition is usually caused by a benign (non-cancerous) tumor of the adrenal gland that produces ALD.
- Secondary aldosterone. This means that your adrenals are healthy, but different welfare states ensure that very large amounts of ALD are produced. Situations that have every opportunity to cause the highest ALD values are
- Kidney disease
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Heart failure
- Pre-eclampsia, a type of hypertension that occurs during pregnancy
- Dehydration
In general, a lower than normal number could mean that you have
- Addison’s disease (also called adrenal disease). This condition damages the adrenal glands, resulting in low ALD. There are possible criteria for harm. These are
- Immune disorders (the most common cause)
- Certain infections
- Cancer cells in the adrenal glands.
Low ALD values are still associated:
- Other health conditions such as diabetes or intestinal shed infection
- Certain medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and certain medications for heart failure.
If you have questions about your results and treatment options, consult your Internet provider.
Supplied by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library.
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