Aldosterone · low result
What does a low Aldosterone mean?
Short answer
Low aldosterone with a high renin means the adrenal glands can't respond — Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia — and usually travels with low cortisol, low sodium and high potassium. Low aldosterone with low renin (hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism) is common in diabetic kidney disease and with NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, heparin and some other drugs. A high salt intake and lying flat also lower it physiologically.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When does this result need same-day care?
- Low aldosterone with potassium above ~6.0 mmol/L, or with vomiting, confusion and very low blood pressure — emergency care (possible adrenal crisis)
What is the normal range for Aldosterone?
- age 18+, upright posture: 0.000 – 30.0 ng/dL
Full reference table, citations and testing options: Aldosterone biomarker page.
What are the common causes of low Aldosterone?
- Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism: diabetic kidney disease, interstitial nephritis
- Medications: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs, heparin, beta-blockers, calcineurin inhibitors
- High sodium intake, supine posture, older age
- Pseudohypoaldosteronism (rare, inherited)
What symptoms go with low Aldosterone?
- Fatigue, salt craving, dizziness on standing, low blood pressure
- Weakness or palpitations from high potassium
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Renin, cortisol (morning) and ACTH, sodium, potassium, kidney function
- ACTH stimulation test if adrenal insufficiency is suspected
- Medication review
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: Cortisol (AM) ($26.99), Cortisol ($32.99).
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
Can medications cause low aldosterone?
Yes — ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs and heparin are the common ones, usually together with a mildly high potassium. The result is expected on those drugs; an endocrine work-up is for low values off them.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.