Aldosterone in Blood

Results

An aldosterone test measures the level of aldosterone (a hormone made by the adrenal glands) in the blood.

Aldosterone levels in a blood sample also change depending on whether you are standing up or lying down at the time the blood is taken. Blood aldosterone levels will be higher if you are standing or sitting up for 2 hours before the test.

Normal

Normal values may vary from lab to lab. Results are usually available in 2 to 5 days.

Aldosterone in blood

Lying down:	3–10 ng/dL or 0.08–0.30 nmol/L
Adult (sitting or standing):	5–30 ng/dL or 0.14–0.80 nmol/L
Child:	5–80 ng/dL or 0.14–2.13 nmol/L
Baby under 1 year:	1–160 ng/dL or 0.03–2.26 nmol/L

 

An overgrowth of normal cells in the adrenal glands (called adrenal hyperplasia) or a tumor of the adrenal glands affects the adrenal glands directly and causes a condition called primary aldosteronism. Certain diseases such as heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney disease can also cause high aldosterone levels but do not affect the adrenal glands. These diseases cause secondary aldosteronism.

Aldosterone and renin levels

	Aldosterone	Renin
Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome)	High	Low
Secondary hyperaldosteronism	High	High

High values

High aldosterone levels can be caused by:

• A tumor in the adrenal glands (Conn's syndrome).
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.
• Heart failure.
• A condition during pregnancy that causes high blood pressure (preeclampsia).

Symptoms of a high aldosterone level include high blood pressure, muscle cramps and weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands, and low levels of potassium in the blood.

Low values

Addison's disease may cause low aldosterone levels.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: July 28, 2008
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology
© 1995-2009 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.