Aldosterone Test

What is Aldosterone?

Aldosterone (ALD) is a hormone made by the adrenal glands.

The adrenal glands are found on top of kidneys and are responsible for producing several important hormones. ALD affects blood pressure and also regulates sodium (salt) and potassium in your blood, among other functions.

Too much ALD can contribute to high blood pressure and low potassium levels. It’s known as hyperaldosteronism.

What is an Aldosterone (ALD) test?

An aldosterone (ALD) test measures the amount of ALD in your blood. It’s also called a serum aldosterone test.

Other names for ALD test:

• Serum aldosterone

Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You may be asked to stop taking certain medicines for at least two weeks before you get tested.

These include:

High blood pressure medicines

Heart medicines

Hormones, such as estrogen or progesterone

Diuretics (water pills)

Antacid and ulcer medicines

You may also be asked to avoid very salty foods for about two weeks before your test. Be sure to ask your health care provider if you need to make any changes to your medications and/or diet.

ALD Test Results

• Plasma aldosterone, supine position and normal sodium diet: 2-9 ng/dl (55 - 250 pmol/L)
• Plasma aldosterone, upright position (standing / seated for at least 2 hr) and normal sodium diet: 2 - 5x supine value
• Urine aldosterone: 5 - 20 μmg/24 hr (14 - 56 nmol/24 hr)
• Conversion factor: multiply by 0.0277 to convert from ng/dl to nmol/L