What is Aldosterone?

Aldosterone is a hormone that increases the reabsorption of sodium and water and the release (secretion) of potassium in the kidneys. This increases blood volume and, therefore, increases blood pressure.

Drugs that interfere with the secretion or action of aldosterone are in use as antihypertensives (to lower blood pressure). One example is spironolactone, which lowers blood pressure by blocking the aldosterone receptor.

Aldosterone is a steroid hormone (mineralocorticoid family) produced in the adrenal cortex of the adrenal gland. It acts on the distal tubules and collecting ducts of the kidney to cause the conservation of sodium, secretion of potassium, increased water retention, and increased blood pressure.

Aldosterone’s activity;

• is reduced in Addison's disease (a rare disease where the body does not produce enough cortisol)
• is increased in Conn syndrome (primary hypertension).