Aldosterone Dysregulation

Primary Hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s Syndrome):

• Autonomous aldosterone secretion leads to hypertension and hypokalemia.

Secondary Activation of the Renin–Angiotensin System:

• In conditions such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or dehydration, increased aldosterone levels help compensate for low circulating volume.

Inflammatory or Autoimmune Damage:

• Autoimmune adrenalitis (for instance, in Addison’s disease before complete destruction) may sometimes show transient elevations in aldosterone before eventual adrenal failure.

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Low Aldosterone in Blood May Indicate:

• Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison’s Disease) – A condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce enough hormones.
• Hyporeninemic Hypoaldosteronism – Often seen in diabetes or chronic kidney disease, leading to low aldosterone and impaired sodium balance.
• Excessive Sodium Intake – High dietary sodium can suppress aldosterone production.

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Age-Related Variations in Aldosterone Production

• Children:
  They generally have lower aldosterone output relative to body size compared with adults.
• Older Adults:
  They may exhibit a less robust aldosterone response, which can contribute to fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

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Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System (RAAS)

All these markers are components of the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System (RAAS), which regulates blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolyte homeostasis:

• Renin is produced by the kidneys and initiates the process by converting angiotensinogen into angiotensin I.
• Angiotensin I serves as a precursor that is converted by Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) into the active Angiotensin II.
• Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that also stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete Aldosterone.
• Aldosterone, measured in both blood and urine, acts on the kidneys to enhance sodium and water retention, thereby increasing blood volume and pressure.

Together, these components work in a coordinated cascade to maintain cardiovascular stability and fluid balance.

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