Aldosterone Renin Ratio Test

To evaluate if your aldosterone and renin levels are not normal, to assist diagnose a hormonal (endocrine) disorder like primary aldosteronism (PA/ Conn syndrome). 

A blood aldosterone renin ratio test is usually ordered for people with high blood-pressure along with low potassium and also if they have hypertension from an early age.

Aldosterone is a hormone that plays a vital important role in maintaining a normal sodium and potassium level in blood along with controlling blood volume and blood pressure. Renin is an enzyme that modulates production of aldosterone. Aldosterone is produced by the adrenal glands located at the top of each of our kidney in the outer surface. It stimulates the retention of salt and the elimination of potassium by the kidneys. Renin is produced by the kidneys and it controls the activation of the hormone angiotensin, which accelerates the adrenal glands to produce aldosterone.

The kidneys release renin when there is a drop in blood pressure or a decrease in the levels of sodium chloride in the kidney. It holds the blood protein angiotensinogen to form angiotensin I, which is then converted by a second enzyme to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II triggers blood vessels to shrink, and it accelerates aldosterone production. Overall, this increases blood pressure and maintains sodium and potassium at normal levels.

Since renin and aldosterone function together, both the protein and enzyme are often tested together to identify the cause of an abnormal aldosterone level.