In contrast to ADH, which promotes the reabsorption of water to maintain proper water balance, aldosterone maintains proper water balance by enhancing Na+ reabsorption and K+ secretion from extracellular fluid of the cells in kidney tubules.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is a chemical produced in the brain that causes the kidneys to release less water, decreasing the amount of urine produced. A high ADH level causes the body to produce less urine.

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone. Its main role is to regulate salt and water in the body, thus having an effect on blood pressure.

Aldosterone is a type of steroid hormone that acts primarily in renal collecting ducts to stimulate reabsorption of Na+ as well as secretion of K+ and H+. It binds with intracellular receptors in the nucleus that stimulate the expression of several genes.

Aldosterone increases urine production and decreases apical AQP2 expression in rats with diabetes insipidus.

Aldosterone increases urine production and decreases apical AQP2 expression in rats with diabetes insipidus | American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology.

Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency causing low levels of aldosterone may experience low blood pressure, increased potassium levels, and lethargy.

Aldosterone secretion is stimulated by an actual or apparent depletion in blood volume detected by stretch receptors and by an increase in serum potassium ion concentrations; it is suppressed by hypervolemia and hypokalemia.

Treating hyperaldosteronism focuses on reducing your aldosterone levels or blocking the effects of aldosterone, high blood pressure, and low blood potassium….These include:

1. Eating a healthy diet.
2. Exercising.
3. Reducing alcohol and caffeine.
4. Quitting smoking.

Aldosterone excess, whether from genetic causes or primary aldosteronism (hyperplasia or aldosterone-secreting adenomas), is well documented to cause hypertension. Hypertension, in turn, has significant adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, including left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis.

Aldosterone (aldo) plays a key role in the control of sodium and potassium balance in the distal tubule of the kidney, thus regulating water body content and blood pressure (BP). Aldo acts through the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which is a ligand-activated transcription factor.

Aldosterone plays an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure. This substance promotes retention of sodium and loss of potassium, activates the sympathetic nervous system and myocardial and vascular fibrosis, and causes baroreceptor dysfunction.

Aldosterone and heart failure Aldosterone participates in the initiation and progression of CHF. During CHF, initial decline in cardiac output stimulates neurohormonal compensatory systems, such as the sympathetic nervous system and the RAAS, which in turn place additional stress on the heart.

What are the symptoms of primary aldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome)?

• Excessive thirst.
• Fatigue.
• Frequent urination.
• Headache.
• Muscle cramps.
• Visual disturbances.
• Weakness or tingling.

Aldosterone antagonists are an important pharmacologic therapy in the neurohormonal blockade necessary in the treatment of systolic heart failure. These drugs have been shown to decrease mortality and reduce hospital readmission rates.

Psychological stress also activates the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system which stimulates rennin release leading to increases in angiotensin II and aldosterone secretion. Aldosterone activates MR which in turn may lead to vascular injury and inflammation, and ultimately heart disease, renal disease, and stroke.

Eat foods with a normal amount of sodium (2,300 mg per day) for 2 weeks before the test. Do not eat foods that are very salty, such as bacon, canned soups and vegetables, olives, bouillon, soy sauce, and salty snacks like potato chips or pretzels. A low-salt diet can also increase aldosterone levels.