The aldosterone blood test is used to measure how much of this hormone, which is produced by the adrenal glands, is in the blood. This hormone plays an essential role because it helps to regulate the levels of potassium and sodium that are in the body. As a result, blood pressure levels are balanced, as are electrolyte levels.
Although this is a regular blood test that is routinely ordered, some individuals may need to follow some specific instructions before a draw is taken. Foods that contain a normal amount of sodium must be consumed for a minimum of 48 hours before the test. This means limiting sodium intake to 2,300mg per day until the blood draw. Low-salt diets increase aldosterone just like high salt diets can, so it is important to discuss eating habits with a medical provider.
Eating natural black licorice can also interfere with test results. You will be requested to not eat any for at least 14 days before the scheduled draw.
When Is the Aldosterone Blood Test Ordered?
Medical providers will order the aldosterone blood test for a wide variety of reasons. It can help to detect whether or not there is a tumor on the adrenal glands. If someone is suffering from hypertension and it won’t improve with lifestyle changes, this test can help to determine what the cause of this issue may be. It will also be ordered for persistently low blood potassium levels.
It will also be ordered to measure the specific amount of the hormone in the blood when there are abnormal levels of adrenal growth noted. High levels of aldosterone can cause tingling in the hands, numbness in the extremities, muscle cramps, weakness, and high blood pressure.
There are numerous medications that will interfere with the results of the aldosterone blood test, so be sure to provide a complete list to your medical provider, including natural herbs and supplements, before the blood draw. Diuretics, including caffeine, are the most frequently non-reported drug used that interferes with test results.
Here’s What You Need to Know
The amount of aldosterone in your blood can change based on your position. Standing up during the blood draw will create a different result than lying down. If the test results turn out to be problematic in some way, then it is fairly common to order a second test based on the opposite positioning to see if different conditions or positions create different results.
Aldosterone levels tend to be at their highest during the morning, so this is typically when the test will be ordered. This means avoiding high-salt foods for the two previous days at minimum before the test for accurate results.
What Do My Test Results Mean?
Normal test results will typically fall into the 7-30 ng/dL range for adults. Teens and children had different levels that are considered normal. This is for standing up or sitting down. Normal levels for lying down in adults is 3-16 ng/dL. Based on this outcome, the test results will be reported as low, normal, or high.
If the aldosterone blood test results are low, then this may be an indication of certain types of kidney disease. People who have Addison’s disease are also known to have low test results. Up to 200,000 cases of Addison’s disease are diagnosed every year in the United States and the symptoms can develop slowly over time or come on acutely with great severity.
Normal test results typically indicate that the adrenal glands are functioning normally. It may also indicate that disease progression is simply to early to track. If there are bothersome symptoms, then follow-up testing may be requested in the weeks or months after the initial test results are communicated.
High test results can be caused by a number of different causes. There may be a tumor on the adrenal glands. Liver and kidney disease will also usually create a high test result. Heart failure is usually the most serious condition that will create high levels of aldosterone. Something as simple as dehydration, however, can also create a positive test result. Women who are pregnant and have high blood pressure will also see a positive result.
Stress can also create high hormone levels which can create unwanted symptoms. If you’re concerned about your hormone levels, then use this guide to discuss the pros and cons of having an aldosterone blood test with your medical provider. It may provide the information that is needed to correct the bothersome health issues that have come your way.