Aldosterone/Plasma Renin Activity Ratio

Overview:

Aldosterone is a hormone from the adrenal glands that tells the kidneys to hold on to sodium and release potassium, which raises blood pressure. Renin, released by the kidneys, is the signal that normally triggers aldosterone. In most people the two rise and fall together. When the adrenal glands produce aldosterone independently of that signal, aldosterone is high while renin is suppressed, and the ratio between them becomes the useful number rather than either value alone. This pattern is looked for in people whose blood pressure is difficult to control or who have low potassium. Several common blood pressure medications affect the result, so preparation matters.

Categories:

Hormone

Biomarkers:

3 biomarkers