Plasma Aldosterone
- Sample Type
- Standard
- Fasting
- No
- Unit
- ng/dL
Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that regulates sodium and potassium balance. In the context of a 'Plasma Renin Activity' panel, it is used to calculate the Aldosterone-Renin Ratio (ARR). This is the primary screening tool for Primary Aldosteronism (Conn's Syndrome), a common but underdiagnosed cause of secondary hypertension. Elevated aldosterone in the presence of suppressed renin strongly suggests an autonomous adrenal source.
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Enter your lab result to see where you stand compared to the standard reference range.
Why Context Matters
Aldosterone levels are extremely sensitive to posture (sitting vs. supine), time of day, salt intake, and medications (especially ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics). Testing must be performed under standardized conditions to avoid false positives or negatives in the ARR.
Lab ranges are statistical averages, not biological laws. "Normal" for a 20-year-old male isn't normal for a 60-year-old female.
Clinical References
Source-of-truth databases and clinical guidelines for Plasma Aldosterone:
Official Sources
- Aldosterone Test: MedlinePlus Medical TestMedlinePlus
- Aldosterone and Renin Test - Testing.comTesting.com
Research & Guidelines
- PubMed: Plasma Aldosterone Clinical GuidelinesNCBI / PubMed
Related Indicators
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Binoy Babu, MBBS
Board Certified Doctor • 10+ Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Babu is a practicing physician dedicated to empowering patients with clear, actionable medical information. He founded 2opi to bridge the gap between complex lab reports and patient understanding, ensuring everyone has access to a reliable second opinion.
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