Aldosterone, a hormone that prevents dehydration, is linked to worsening kidney disease, study suggests

In the observational study, researchers analyzed health data from 3,680 people with chronic kidney disease for nearly 10 years. Those with elevated levels of aldosterone, a crucial, salt-conserving hormone made by the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys, had a higher risk of serious kidney disease progression during the study period: they are more likely to lose half their kidney function, start dialysis, or develop end-stage kidney disease.

 Dx Schema – Inappropriate Aldosterone

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A Medical Mystery, and How Physicians Solved It

Aldosterone is the body's chief steroid regulating electrolytes and has a powerful effect on the amount of potassium in the bloodstream. Renin can alter blood pressure. The body carefully regulates these two substances, which act in concert in an elaborate biochemical mechanism. Even small changes in the amount of one of these chemicals can severely alter that of another. When blood pressure is high and levels of both chemicals are abnormally high, Dr. Seldin reminded his audience, one possible cause is a blockage of an artery feeding either kidney. When blood pressure is high, the amount of aldosterone is high and that of renin low, a tumor of the adrenal gland may be the culprit.

Aldosterone and Renin

The chief mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. It plays an important role in maintaining blood volume, pressure, pH, and electrolyte balance. It promotes the reabsorption of sodium, and meanwhile increases potassium and hydrogen ion excretion which increases blood pH. Therefore, in hyperaldosteronism, the overproduction of aldosterone leads to the retention of sodium and loss of potassium in the body, resulting in high hypertension, hypokalemia and alkalosis.

Aldosterone: A forgotten mediator of the relationship between psychological stress and heart disease

Numerous studies support the notion that cumulative exposure to chronic stress is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Various stress-related hormones have been proposed as potential mediators of the relationship between psychological stress and CVD, including catecholamines and more indirectly, cortisol. Somewhat surprisingly, although aldosterone is also released in response to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activation, it has not been considered as relevant for this relationship.

Aldosteronism: Too much of a good thing

The hormone aldosterone helps the body manage water and sodium. Too much of it is an overlooked cause of high blood pressure.

Does your dog lick your legs?

Aldosterone is also made in the adrenal glands and it belongs to a group of hormones called mineralocorticoids. It's main role is to regulate the amount of salt (or more specifically sodium and potassium) in our body which in turn regulates our blood pressure, balances electrolytes in our blood and controls the distribution of fluid in our body (ie. cankles, face swelling). Like all hormones in the body, there is the possibility of them being over-produced or under-produced.

How Does Aldosterone Activation Contribute to CKD?

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) stimulation is fundamental to maintain sodium and potassium balance, and in the anatomic regulation of blood pressure and volume status. The major triggers for aldosterone release are hyperkalemia and stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) caused by volume depletion.

Much Ado About Aldosterone: Electrolyte Imbalance & Salt Cravings

As a reminder, Aldosterone is responsible for maintaining fluid (water) and the concentration of certain minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride) in the blood, the interstitial fluid (area between the cells) and inside the cells. Sodium is most dominant in the blood and potassium is most concentrated inside cells.

Primary Aldosteronism

If your doctor tells you to eat more potassium-rich foods—such as bananas—because your potassium levels are low, and to lay off the salt because your sodium is high, that could be a sign you have primary aldosteronism.

The Primary Hyper Aldosteronism blog

My life with Edgar the adrenal tumour.

The Role of Aldosterone in Management of Hypertension

Aldosterone is controlled by the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system (RAAS). The kidneys release renin when there is a drop in blood pressure or a decrease in sodium chloride concentration in the tubules in the kidney. Renin cleaves the blood protein angiotensinogen to form angiotensin I (AI), which is then converted by a second enzyme to angiotensin II (A II). Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict, and it stimulates aldosterone production.