Aldosterone, Serum

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, that helps regulate blood pressure and maintain the balance of sodium and potassium in the body. It works by signaling the kidneys to retain sodium and water while excreting potassium, thereby controlling blood volume and electrolyte levels. 

Abnormal levels of aldosterone can lead to serious health issues, including excess aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism) that may cause high blood pressure, low potassium, muscle weakness, and metabolic imbalances in the body, while low aldosterone (hypoaldosteronism) can result in low blood pressure, dehydration, fatigue, and dangerously high potassium levels.

Doctors usually advise the Aldosterone, Serum test if there is unexplained high blood pressure (especially if it starts at a young age or is difficult to control with medicines), abnormal potassium levels, or symptoms suggesting adrenal gland dysfunction. It is often performed together with plasma renin activity (PRA) to calculate the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR), which is a key marker for primary aldosteronism.

For the Aldosterone, Serum test, doctors may suggest maintaining a normal salt intake before the test, stopping certain medications (like diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, or steroids) that may interfere with results and collecting the sample at a specific time of day or body position (lying down or upright), since aldosterone levels vary with posture and time.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Do not self-medicate and always consult a doctor to understand the test results correctly. 

Please note: This is an outsourced test. The sample is collected by TATA 1MG and processed at a NABL accredited partnered lab.