The renin blood test is usually ordered with an aldosterone blood or urine test. Combined these two tests are able to evaluate the functionality of an individual’s adrenal glands. This allows doctors to distinguish what the potential problems which are causing deficiencies or excessive amounts of these two substances.
The renin blood test is most useful for determining if someone with persistently high blood pressure is suffering from Conn syndrome. This is especially true if there are low potassium levels in the blood as well. When discovered, the hypertension can potentially be cured with an individually tailored treatment plan.
It may also be used to test for adrenal insufficiency or to determine the extent of adrenal fatigue that has occurred. Many medical providers have also started ordering a third test to measure the amount of cortisol that is present within the body.
When To Ask About the Renin Blood Test
When there are changes to the adrenal glands that cause an increased or decreased level of production, then people will typically experience an increase in blood pressure. This may also cause headaches, dizziness, and a feeling like they might faint. If there is low potassium present, then the severity of these symptoms will increase.
If those symptoms do not improve in 2-3 days, then schedule an appointment to speak with your medical provider about the potential benefits of having the renin blood test.
Certain health conditions may also causes changes to renin levels. This includes kidney or liver disease, heart failure, low sodium levels, and preeclampsia. People who are severely and chronically dehydrated will also experience changes to their renin levels. These signs and symptoms may include dry skin, abdominal or chest pain, and fatigue.
What Do the Renin Blood Test Results Mean?
The renin blood test is combined with the other tests that have been ordered to determine what a diagnosis should be. There are four general answers that are discovered when a medical provider puts together all of these tests.
- If renin levels are low, but aldosterone levels are high and cortisol levels are normal, then this is considered evidence of Conn syndrome.
- If renin levels are high, aldosterone levels are high, but cortisol levels are normal, then this is an indication that potentially serious health condition is causing the problems being experienced.
- If renin levels are high, but both aldosterone and cortisol levels are low, then this is an indication of adrenal insufficiency. This could be caused by Addison disease, but further testing may be required for a specific diagnosis.
- If renin levels are low, aldosterone levels are low, but cortisol levels are high, then this is an indication of the presence of Cushing syndrome.
Sometimes only one of the adrenal glands may be affected. If this is suspected, then more than one blood draw may be necessary. The medical provider will take blood from the adrenal veins to determine what each gland’s performance happens to be. This is extremely useful in determining whether one gland is failing to operate because of a tumor or other site specific issue.
Here’s What You Need To Know
There are several dietary and lifestyle choices that will affect renin blood test results. Stress and exercise are the two most common issues that will affect results. Drinking caffeinated beverages within 24 hours of the test will also affect the sample that is taken. Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, oral contraceptives, and NSAID pain relievers can also affect the test results.
The amount of salt that is consumed on a daily basis will also affect renin levels. A medical provider will issue specific instructions before the blood test that dictate how much salt should be consumed before the renin blood test. It may be necessary to avoid all sodium or to fast for a specific period of time before the blood draw to receive accurate results.
People who eat licorice on a regular basis may need to have their test delayed by up to 2 weeks. This is because it may lower test results. This is for real licorice products that come from the root of the plant, which in the US is sold as hard licorice.
Illness can also affect test results.
The renin blood test is a useful measurement to determine why high blood pressure may not be responsive to regular treatments. If you suffer from the signs or symptoms of hypertension, then speak to your medical provider today about the benefits of having this test ordered.