Aldosterone
Aldosterone is a hormone from the adrenal glands that helps control the balance of sodium, potassium, and fluid in your body.
Posture critical: supine <8 ng/dL typical, upright 7–30 ng/dL. Dietary sodium, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs markedly affect values. Typically paired with renin.
By telling the kidneys when to hold onto sodium and release potassium, aldosterone plays a key role in regulating blood pressure and blood volume. Its level shifts with your salt intake, hydration, posture, and other hormones, so context is essential when reading a result. It is often measured alongside renin to understand blood pressure that is hard to control.
A high aldosterone may reflect the body responding appropriately to low blood volume or low sodium, or it can suggest the adrenal glands are producing too much on their own (primary aldosteronism), a treatable cause of high blood pressure. Interpretation depends heavily on renin, posture, medications, and salt status.
A low aldosterone can occur with certain adrenal conditions or medications, and may relate to low blood pressure or higher potassium levels.
There is no universal target; aldosterone is interpreted in relation to renin, your posture and salt intake at the time of the draw, and your medications. Discuss your result with your clinician, especially if you are being evaluated for blood pressure concerns.
Sources
Educational context only, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex; always discuss your results with a clinician.