Aldosterone (aldosterone, from Latin al(cohol) de(hydrogenatum) - alcohol devoid of water + stereos - solid) is a mineralocorticoid hormone produced in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex, which regulates mineral metabolism in the body (increases the reabsorption of sodium ions in the kidneys and removal of potassium ions from the body).

The synthesis of the hormone aldosterone is regulated by the mechanism of the renin-angiotensin system, which is a system of hormones and enzymes that control blood pressure and maintain water and electrolyte balance in the body. The renin-angiotensin system is activated when renal blood flow decreases and sodium entry into the renal tubules decreases. Under the influence of renin (an enzyme of the renin-angiotensin system), the octapeptide hormone angiotensin is formed, which has the ability to contract blood vessels. By causing renal hypertension, angiotensin II stimulates the release of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex.

Normal secretion of aldosterone depends on the concentration of potassium, sodium and magnesium in plasma, the activity of the renin-angiotensin system, the state of renal blood flow, as well as the content of angiotensin and ACTH in the body.

Functions of aldosterone in the body

As a result of the action of aldosterone on the distal tubules of the kidneys, the tubular reabsorption of sodium ions increases, the content of sodium and extracellular fluid in the body increases, the secretion of potassium and hydrogen ions by the kidneys increases, and the sensitivity of vascular smooth muscles to vasoconstrictor agents increases.

The main functions of aldosterone:

• maintaining electrolyte balance;
• regulation of blood pressure;
• regulation of ion transport in the sweat, salivary glands and intestines;
• maintaining the volume of extracellular fluid in the body.

Normal secretion of aldosterone depends on many factors - the concentration of potassium, sodium and magnesium in the plasma, the activity of the renin-angiotensin system, the state of renal blood flow, as well as the content of angiotensin and ACTH in the body (a hormone that increases the sensitivity of the adrenal cortex to substances that activate the production of aldosterone).

With age, hormone levels decrease.

Aldosterone levels in blood plasma:

• newborns (0–6 days): 50–1020 pg/ml;
• 1–3 weeks: 60–1790 pg/ml;
• children under one year: 70–990 pg/ml;
• children 1–3 years old: 70–930 pg/ml;
• children under 11 years old: 40–440 pg/ml;
• children under 15 years old: 40–310 pg/ml;
• adults (in a horizontal body position): 17.6–230.2 pg/ml;
• adults (in an upright body position): 25.2–392 pg/ml.

In women, normal aldosterone concentrations may be slightly higher than in men.

Excess aldosterone in the body

If the level of aldosterone is increased, there is an increase in the excretion of potassium in the urine and a simultaneous stimulation of the flow of potassium from the extracellular fluid into the body tissues, which leads to a decrease in the concentration of this microelement in the blood plasma - hypokalemia. Excess aldosterone also reduces sodium excretion by the kidneys, causing sodium retention in the body, increasing extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure.

Long-term drug therapy with aldosterone antagonists helps normalize blood pressure and eliminate hypokalemia.

Hyperaldosteronism (aldosteronism) is a clinical syndrome caused by increased hormone secretion. There are primary and secondary aldosteronism.

Primary aldosteronism (Conn syndrome) is caused by increased production of aldosterone by adenoma of the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex, combined with hypokalemia and arterial hypertension. With primary aldosteronism, electrolyte disturbances develop: the concentration of potassium in the blood serum decreases, and the excretion of aldosterone in the urine increases. Kohn syndrome most often develops in women.

Secondary hyperaldosteronism is associated with hyperproduction of the hormone by the adrenal glands due to excessive stimuli regulating its secretion (increased secretion of renin, adrenoglomerulotropin, ACTH). Secondary hyperaldosteronism occurs as a complication of certain diseases of the kidneys, liver, and heart.

Symptoms of hyperaldosteronism:

• arterial hypertension with a predominant increase in diastolic pressure;
• lethargy, general fatigue;
• frequent headaches;
• polydipsia (thirst, increased fluid intake);
• blurred vision;
• polyuria (increased urine production), nocturia (predominance of nighttime diuresis over daytime);
• muscle weakness;
• numbness of the limbs;
• convulsions, paresthesia;
• peripheral edema (with secondary aldosteronism).

Decreased aldosterone levels

With aldosterone deficiency in the kidneys, sodium concentration decreases, potassium excretion slows down, and the mechanism of ion transport through tissues is disrupted. As a result, the blood supply to the brain and peripheral tissues is disrupted, the tone of smooth muscle muscles is reduced, and the vasomotor center is inhibited.

Hypoaldosteronism requires lifelong treatment; medication and limited potassium intake allow compensation for the disease.

Hypoaldosteronism is a complex of changes in the body caused by a decrease in the secretion of aldosterone. There are primary and secondary hypoaldosteronism.

Primary hypoaldosteronism is most often congenital in nature, its first manifestations are observed in infants. It is based on a hereditary disorder of aldosterone biosynthesis, in which sodium loss and arterial hypotension increase renin production.

The disease is manifested by electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, and vomiting. The primary form of hypoaldosteronism tends to spontaneously remit with age.

Secondary hypoaldosteronism, which manifests itself in adolescence or adulthood, is based on a defect in aldosterone biosynthesis associated with insufficient production of renin by the kidneys or reduced renin activity. This form of hypoaldosteronism often accompanies diabetes mellitus or chronic nephritis. The development of the disease can also be facilitated by long-term use of heparin, cyclosporine, indomethacin, angiotensin receptor blockers, and ACE inhibitors.

Symptoms of secondary hypoaldosteronism:

• weakness;
• intermittent fever;
• orthostatic hypotension;
• cardiac arrhythmia;
• fainting;
• decreased potency.

Sometimes hypoaldosteronism is asymptomatic, in which case it is usually an incidental diagnostic finding during examination for another reason.

There are also congenital isolated (primary isolated) and acquired hypoaldosteronism.

Determination of aldosterone content in blood

To test blood for aldosterone, venous blood is collected using a vacuum system with a coagulation activator or without an anticoagulant. Venipuncture is performed in the morning, with the patient lying down, before getting out of bed.

In women, normal aldosterone concentrations may be slightly higher than in men.

To find out the effect of physical activity on aldosterone levels, the analysis is repeated after the patient remains in an upright position for four hours.

For initial testing, determination of the aldosterone-renin ratio is recommended. Load tests (test with a load of hypothiazide or spironolactone, march test) are carried out to differentiate individual forms of hyperaldosteronism. To identify hereditary disorders, genomic typing is performed using the polymerase chain reaction method.

Before the study, the patient is recommended to follow a low-carbohydrate diet with low salt content, avoid physical activity and stressful situations. 20–30 days before the study, cancel the appointment medicines affecting water and electrolyte metabolism (diuretics, estrogens, ACE inhibitors, adrenergic blockers, calcium channel blockers).

8 hours before blood sampling, you should not eat or smoke. In the morning before the analysis, any drinks other than water are excluded.

When deciphering the analysis, the patient’s age, the presence of endocrine disorders, a history of chronic and acute diseases, and the use of medications before blood sampling are taken into account.

How to normalize aldosterone levels

In the treatment of hypoaldosteronism, increased administration of sodium chloride and fluid, and the use of mineralocorticoid drugs are used. Hypoaldosteronism requires lifelong treatment; medication and limited potassium intake allow compensation for the disease.

Normalization of blood pressure and elimination of hypokalemia is facilitated by long-term drug therapy with aldosterone antagonists: potassium-sparing diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, thiazide diuretics. These drugs block aldosterone receptors and have antihypertensive, diuretic and potassium-sparing effects.

Excess aldosterone reduces sodium excretion by the kidneys, causing sodium retention in the body, increasing extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure.

If Conhn syndrome or adrenal cancer is detected, surgical treatment is indicated, which consists of removing the affected adrenal gland (adrenalectomy). Before surgery, correction of hypokalemia with spironolactone is mandatory.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

Very important glands endocrine system are the adrenal glands. Their cortex secretes a number of hormones called corticoids or corticosteroids. All of them are divided into 2 groups: glucocorticoids, which regulate carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and mineralocorticoids, which regulate water-salt metabolism. In group 2, the hormone aldosterone is the most active. Its name comes from the aldehyde group contained in its molecule.

What is aldosterone and what is its role?

What is the hormone aldosterone responsible for in the body and what are its functions? It is part of the so-called renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, where its production is influenced by hormones that regulate vascular tone (renin, angiotensin), and the concentration of sodium and potassium ions in the blood plasma. This entire system is controlled by the main endocrine gland - the pituitary gland, namely its adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

The direct function of aldosterone in this system is to regulate electrolytes: increasing reabsorption in the kidneys (return to the blood) of sodium and chlorine ions and excretion (excretion in the urine) of potassium ions. These are complex biochemical processes at the level of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) and with the participation of protein enzymes and adenosine triphosphoric acid (ATP).

What is the normal level of aldosterone?

The level of aldosterone in women is slightly higher than in the stronger sex. In young children it is much higher than in adults. This is due to the increased need for minerals in the child’s body due to increased growth and development of bone tissue.

Important! If aldosterone levels in children are below 1090 pmol/l, this is a sign of kidney disease and the child needs to be examined.

Why does aldosterone increase?

When aldosterone is elevated, hyperaldosteronism syndrome develops. This happens in the following cases:

1. With the development of a tumor of the adrenal cortex with increased production of hormones (Conn's syndrome).
2. For hypertension, heart failure, fluid retention in the body.
3. For renal hypertension (narrowing of the renal arteries, failure of function, renal sclerosis, renal tumor).
4. In case of insufficiency of liver function (biliary and alcoholic cirrhosis, severe forms of hepatitis), when the destruction of the hormone by liver cells is impaired.
5. In women in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (12-16 days from the beginning of menstruation, when the egg matures and the ovulation period begins).
6. As a result of long-term use of medications that enhance hormone production (estrogens, angiotensin, diuretics and laxatives).

Important! Lack of blood pressure control in hypertensive patients leads to an increase in aldosterone, disruption of water and electrolyte balance and the development of complications.

What causes increased aldosterone?

An increase in aldosterone levels leads to sodium and water retention in the body, and the aldosterone-potassium ratio also changes. The more aldosterone, the less potassium in the body. This affects the functioning of the body, first of all, of cardio-vascular system and kidneys.

Symptoms of elevated aldosterone are as follows:

• increased thirst and increased urine output;
• headache;
• severe general malaise;
• muscle weakness;
• increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat;
• the appearance of swelling on the face and legs.

General weakness, headache are the first symptoms of hyperaldosteronism

In severe cases, convulsions, asthma-like asthma attacks, heart failure due to lack of potassium and myocardial weakness, even cardiac arrest, may develop.

Important! If you experience frequent headaches and malaise, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible for an examination to avoid the development of complications.

When and how is the level of the hormone aldosterone determined?

An aldosterone test is prescribed in the following cases:

1. With increased blood pressure.
2. For dizziness, fainting.
3. Persons with muscle weakness, increased fatigue.
4. For tachycardia, heart failure, detection of arrhythmia.
5. When detected in biochemical analyzes blood potassium decrease and sodium increase.

To take a blood test for hormones, in particular for aldosterone, special preliminary preparation is required, which consists of the following:

• 2 weeks before the examination, you need to give up any diets, and also avoid excessive consumption of salt and products containing it;
• stop taking hormonal, diuretic, laxative and antihypertensive drugs 2 weeks before;
• a week before the test, stop taking renin-inhibiting drugs that are used to treat hypertension (Rasilez, aliskiren and others);
• Avoid heavy physical activity, stressful situations, and alcohol consumption for at least 3 days.

The concentration of the hormone is determined not only in the blood serum, but also in the urine. Aldosterone in urine is determined from the daily amount. To do this, it is collected within 24 hours in special vessel, during this period you should stop taking medications unless absolutely necessary. It is also necessary to exclude physical activity and stressful situations.

Determining the aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR) is very important. When aldosterone increases, this proportion is disrupted. The numerical value of aldosterone in ng/l is divided by the numerical value of renin in mcg/l*h. The normal aldosterone-renin ratio is 3.8-7.7. This analysis also requires special preparation.

Important! You should know that the results of a blood test for aldosterone will be different in horizontal and vertical body positions. This is taken into account when decrypting it.

How can elevated aldosterone levels be reduced?

Hyperaldosteronism is a dangerous syndrome that requires treatment. How to reduce aldosterone to normal level? For this purpose, special drugs aldosterone antagonists are prescribed. Their action is to block the receptors of this hormone and reduce its activity. As a result, excess sodium and water are eliminated, blood pressure decreases, potassium excretion slows down and its content in the blood increases.

The main aldosterone antagonists are veroshpirone (spironolactone), potassium caenreonate, aldactone, eplerenone. They are prescribed only by a doctor, taking into account contraindications and possible side effects.

If the cause of increased aldosterone is a hormone-producing tumor, treatment is only surgical. Folk diuretics are only an additional method of treatment; their use must be agreed with a doctor.

An increase in aldosterone levels leads to serious disorders in the body that require professional treatment under the supervision of laboratory tests.

Aldosterone - what is this hormone?

Aldosterone- a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Its main function is to regulate the content of sodium and potassium salts in the blood. When sodium levels rise or potassium levels fall, blood pressure drops and the kidneys release the protein renin. Renin breaks down angiotensinogen in the blood, which leads to the formation of the protein angiotensin. The latter acts on the adrenal cortex and stimulates the production of aldosterone.

Aldosterone test price

The specialized immunochemiluminescent laboratory of the 3rd generation of the North-Western Endocrinology Center conducts a blood test for aldosterone using high-precision analyzers DiaSorin Liaison XL (Italy) and Abbott Architect (USA).

For what indications is an aldosterone test prescribed?

• High blood pressure
• Low potassium levels in the blood
• Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when standing up suddenly, associated with a drop in blood pressure)
• Symptoms characteristic of adrenal insufficiency (fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, hyperpigmentation, gastrointestinal disorders)

INIn what cases is aldosterone elevated?

Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome). Occurs due to the formation of a tumor of the adrenal cortex, producing excess amounts of aldosterone. It, in turn, retains sodium in the kidneys and releases potassium, which causes an imbalance in the water-salt balance. To diagnose this disease, you need to donate blood for aldosterone and renin. A decrease in potassium concentration in the kidneys leads to a decrease in renin production, therefore, with primary hyperaldosteronism, renin in the blood will be decreased and aldosterone increased.

Secondary hyperaldosteronism. A more common disease in which hypersecretion of the hormone is caused not by damage to the adrenal cortex, but by disorders in other tissues, leading to nonspecific production of aldosterone or stimulating its formation of proteins (renin and angiotensin). Observed in kidney diseases, renal artery stenosis, liver cirrhosis, heart failure. Unlike primary hyperaldsteronism, in this case the concentrations of both renin and aldosterone are increased.

Taking medications containing angiotensin or estrogens.

In what cases is aldosterone low?

Chronic adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) And congenital adrenal hyperplasia (adrenogenital syndrome). Characterized by a decrease in the secretion of all hormones produced by this organ.

Kidney failure, diabetes , acute alcohol intoxication. At the same time, the body becomes dehydrated, sodium levels drop, the kidneys produce insufficient renin, and as a result, aldosterone levels decrease.

In the postoperative period after removal of an adrenal cortex tumor.

Aldosterone norm

For children:

• newborns 300 - 1900 pg/ml;
• 1 month – 2 years 20 - 1100 pg/ml;
• 3 years – 16 years 12 - 340 pg/ml.

For adults:

• in a horizontal position 13-145 pg/ml;
• in a vertical position 27-272 pg/ml.

How to properly donate blood for aldosterone

The level of this hormone in the blood is influenced by several factors, so careful preparation is required before the analysis.

• For two weeks before the analysis, there is no need to violate the normal content of table salt in the diet, because both its excessive use and its refusal will affect the results
• During acute inflammatory diseases, the level of the hormone may drop, so you should not donate blood for aldosterone during this period.
• Stress and exercise can lead to increased rates
• At least 2 weeks before the test, you need to stop taking diuretics, contraceptives and antihypertensive drugs, steroids and estrogens (in consultation with your doctor)
• A week before the aldosterone test, refrain from taking renin inhibitors (in consultation with your doctor)

Where can I donate blood for aldosterone?

array(19) ( ["catalog_code"]=> string(6) "060801" ["name"]=> string(36) "Aldosterone" ["period"]=> string(1) "1" ["period_max"]=> string(1) "6" ["period_unit_name"]=> string(6) "k.d." ["cito_period"]=> NULL ["cito_period_max"]=> NULL ["cito_period_unit_name" "]=> NULL ["group_id"]=> string(5) "22485" ["id"]=> string(4) "2173" ["url"]=> string(29) "aldosteron-aldosterone_060801" [ "podgotovka"]=> string(993) "

On an empty stomach (no less than 8 and no more than 14 hours of fasting). You can drink water without gas. It is recommended to take blood samples for aldosterone in the morning from 8.30 to 11.00, unless another time is indicated by the attending physician. To monitor therapy, blood is drawn at the same time. On the eve of the study, it is necessary to exclude sports training, stress and food overload. Immediately before blood collection, the patient should be at rest. Taking medications the day before or on the day of the test must be agreed with your doctor.

" ["opisanie"]=> string(5157) "

Research method: enzyme immunoassay (ELISA)

draw your attention to that the linearity of the technique used corresponds to: up to 1000 pg/ml, when higher values ​​are obtained the result is given as “>1000 pg/ml» .

Aldosterone is a hormone of the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex, a mineralocorticoid. The target organ is the kidneys. Aldosterone helps to increase the level of sodium in the blood plasma and reduce the concentration of potassium by increasing its secretion by the kidneys, i.e. participates in maintaining the physiological volume of extracellular fluid. The secretion of aldosterone is subject to a circadian rhythm: the maximum concentration is in the morning, the minimum is around midnight. The level of aldosterone in the blood depends on body position.

Determination of the level of aldosterone in the blood is used to diagnose hyperaldosteronism. In all patients with arterial hypertension, the level of aldosterone and renin in the blood at rest is determined once.

In primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA), there is an increase in aldosterone and a decrease in renin levels. In secondary cases, the levels of both hormones are increased.

INDICATIONS FOR THE STUDY:

• Diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism;
• Uncontrolled arterial hypertension;
• Orthostatic hypotension;
• Suspicion of adrenal insufficiency.

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS:

Reference values ​​(standard version):

We draw your attention to the fact that the interpretation of research results, establishment of a diagnosis, as well as the prescription of treatment, in accordance with Federal Law No. 323-FZ “On the fundamentals of protecting the health of citizens in Russian Federation» dated November 21, 2011, must be carried out by a doctor of appropriate specialization.

" ["serv_cost"]=> string(3) "615" ["cito_price"]=> NULL ["parent"]=> string(2) "22" => string(1) "1" ["limit" ]=> NULL ["bmats"]=> array(1) ( => array(3) ( ["cito"]=> string(1) "N" ["own_bmat"]=> string(2) "12 " ["name"]=> string(31) "Blood (serum)" ) ) )

Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Its main function is the retention of sodium salts and the excretion of potassium by the kidneys. Various diseases can cause...

average price in your region: 688.58 from 416 ... to 2824

53 laboratories perform this analysis in your region

Description of the study

Preparing for the study:

It is necessary to limit carbohydrate intake for 14-30 days before donating blood;

14-30 days before the study, stop taking diuretics, blood pressure lowering drugs, steroids, oral contraceptives and estrogens;

Avoid taking medications that affect aldosterone production for 7 days before the test;

Avoid physical and emotional stress 72 hours before donating blood;

Do not smoke for 3 hours before the test.