Aldosterone Urine Test, 24-Hour
The aldosterone urine test is used in the diagnosis and evaluation of primary aldosteronism, selective hypoaldosteronism, edematous states, and other conditions of electrolyte imbalance.
Description
The aldosterone urine is a 24-hour test that measures the amount of aldosterone removed in the urine in a day. Aldosterone is a hormone released by the adrenal gland that helps the kidney control salt, water, and potassium balance. This helps to control blood pressure and the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the blood.An aldosterone urine test is normally performed to not only measure the amount of aldosterone removed in the urine but also to check for a tumor in the adrenal glands, gauge the amount of aldosterone released into the body by the adrenal glands, and to find the cause of high blood pressure or low potassium levels.
Results are dependent on:
- the kidneys working properly
- the amount of sodium intake
- the condition being diagnosed
High aldosterone levels can be the effect of:
- Kidney disease
- Heart failure
- Some medicines used to treat high blood pressure
- A tumor in the adrenal glands (Conn's syndrome)
- Liver disease
- Abuse of diuretics (water pills)
- Laxative abuse
Symptoms of high aldosterone include high blood pressure, muscle cramps and weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands, and low levels of potassium in the blood.
Low aldosterone levels can be generated by:
- Kidney disease, types of kidney disease seen in people who also have diabetes.
- Addison’s disease
- Heparin treatment (medicine that helps prevent blood clots)
Many nonprescription and prescription medicines may change the results of this test. These include:
- high blood pressure medicines
- diuretics
- hormones (such as progesterone and estrogen)
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- heart medicines
- antacid and ulcer medicines
- corticosteroids
Check with physician before stopping any medications.
