Aldosterone
“Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal glands. It helps the body regulate blood pressure. Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium and water and the release of potassium in the kidneys. This action raises blood pressure.
Aldosterone blood test is often combined with other tests, such as the renin hormone test, to diagnose over- or under-production of aldosterone.”
Aldosterone is the principal hormone that regulates the total body sodium (and thus volume since water follows sodium).
Stimuli for Aldosterone secretion
- Hypovolemia. Hypovolemia triggers the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS).
- Hyperkalemia. Aldosterone leads to absorption of NaCl and excretion of potassium.
Action of Aldosterone
- Aldosterone leads to increased reabsorption of sodium in exchange for potassium or H+. This results in water retention. Potassium is also lowered correcting hyperkalemia.
Renin-angiotensin-Aldosterone system
References