Aldosterone · high result
What does a high Aldosterone mean?
Short answer
Aldosterone tells the kidneys to keep sodium and lose potassium. High aldosterone with a suppressed renin points to primary aldosteronism — an adrenal adenoma or hyperplasia, the most common curable cause of high blood pressure. High aldosterone with high renin is the kidney responding to low blood volume, low salt, diuretics or heart failure. The aldosterone-to-renin ratio is the screening test.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When does this result need same-day care?
- Potassium under ~3.0 mmol/L with weakness or palpitations, or blood pressure above 180/120 with symptoms — same-day care
What is the normal range for Aldosterone?
- age 18+, upright posture: 0.000 – 30.0 ng/dL
Can reflect primary aldosteronism, low sodium intake, or diuretic use. A treatable cause of high blood pressure.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Aldosterone biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high Aldosterone?
- Primary aldosteronism: aldosterone-producing adenoma, bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
- Secondary: diuretics, low-sodium diet, dehydration, heart failure, cirrhosis, renal artery stenosis, pregnancy
- Medications that raise renin and aldosterone: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, some antidepressants
- Upright posture and stress at the draw (mild)
What symptoms go with high Aldosterone?
- High blood pressure, often resistant to treatment
- Muscle weakness, cramps, palpitations, excessive urination if potassium is low
- Often none
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Renin at the same draw for the aldosterone-to-renin ratio
- Potassium, sodium, kidney function
- Confirmatory test (saline infusion or oral salt loading) through an endocrinologist, then adrenal imaging and possibly vein sampling
- Medication review — many blood-pressure drugs distort the ratio
How do you recheck Aldosterone?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aldosterone | Test | $61.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
Common questions
How should I prepare for an aldosterone test?
Morning draw after being up for two hours and seated 5–15 minutes; normal salt intake; potassium corrected first; and ask the prescriber about pausing spironolactone, eplerenone and diuretics for several weeks — those change the result the most.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.