Aldosterone Test Test
An aldosterone test measures the amount of aldosterone in your blood or urine. Aldosterone is a hormone that helps control blood pressure by balancing sodium and potassium levels.
What this test measures
This test measures the amount of aldosterone (ALD) in your blood or urine. ALD is a hormone made by your adrenal glands that helps keep your blood pressure stable by balancing sodium and potassium levels.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
Higher than normal amounts of ALD may mean you have primary aldosteronism (Conn syndrome) or secondary aldosteronism caused by conditions such as kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, heart failure, preeclampsia, or dehydration.
Lower-than-normal results
Lower than normal amounts of ALD may mean you have Addison disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, secondary or tertiary adrenal insufficiency, or Liddle syndrome. Low levels may also be linked to certain medicines or health conditions like diabetes and lead poisoning.
Frequently asked questions
What is an aldosterone test?
An aldosterone test measures the amount of aldosterone in your blood or urine. Aldosterone is a hormone that helps control blood pressure by balancing sodium and potassium.
Why is an aldosterone test done?
It is mainly used with a renin test to find out if too much aldosterone is causing high blood pressure that occurs with low potassium, doesn't improve with usual medicines, or develops at a young age.
What does a high aldosterone level mean?
High aldosterone may mean primary aldosteronism (Conn syndrome) or secondary aldosteronism due to conditions like kidney disease, cirrhosis, heart failure, preeclampsia, or dehydration.
What does a low aldosterone level mean?
Low aldosterone may mean Addison disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, secondary or tertiary adrenal insufficiency, or Liddle syndrome.
How are aldosterone test results interpreted?
Your provider will consider your aldosterone levels along with other test results. Ask your provider to explain what your results mean for your health.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Aldosterone Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.