in every 1 in 15 cases with high blood pressure, an imbalance of the hormone aldosterone may be to blame. This problem may be even more common among people with poorly controlled high blood pressure (resistant hypertension). “Among those people, up to one in five may have too much aldosterone,” says Dr. Gail Adler, chief of cardiovascular endocrinology at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
before we talk about aldosterone, let’s clarify somethings first:
Steroid hormones are a category of hormones which help control metabolism, inflammation, immune functions, salt and water balance, development of sexual characteristics, and the ability to withstand illness and injury.
Renin is an enzyme that leads to a series of chemical reactions resulting in the production of angiotensin II, which in turn stimulate aldosterone release.
Angiotensin is a protein hormone that causes blood vessels to become narrower. It helps to maintain blood pressure and fluid balance in the body.
Primary hyperaldosteronism is due to a problem of the adrenal glands themselves, which causes them to release too much aldosterone. In contrast, with secondary hyperaldosteronism, a problem elsewhere in the body causes the adrenal glands to release too much aldosterone.
nephron is the structure inside kidney that actually produces urine in the process of removing waste and excess substances from the blood.
Aldosterone is produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. Understanding this hormone will help you understand your body better, and help you take measures to ensure optimal health.
Aldosterone is a steroid hormone created with cholesterol which is the key regulator of sodium and potassium in the body. If you’re out in the desert, your body needs aldosterone to retain sodium and water to maintain your blood pressure. But too much aldosterone makes the kidneys retain too much sodium and water, and that extra fluid ends up in the bloodstream, leading to increases in blood pressure.
Overactive adrenal glands were once thought to be a relatively rare cause of high blood pressure. “But we’re now recognizing that primary aldosteronism may be just the tip of the iceberg”.
Sometimes, primary aldosteronism causes low potassium levels. If this happens, you may have Muscle cramps, Weakness, Fatigue, Headache, Excessive thirst and a frequent need to urinate.
Low aldosterone levels are found in a rare condition called Addison’s disease. In Addison’s disease, there is a general loss of adrenal function resulting in low blood pressure, lethargy and an increase in potassium levels in the blood .
Aldosterone is closely linked to two other hormones: renin and angiotensin, which create the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated when the body experiences a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, such as after a drop in blood pressure, or a significant drop in blood volume after a hemorrhage or serious injury. Renin is responsible for the production of angiotensin, which then causes the release of aldosterone. Once the body is rehydrated and has proper salt levels in the blood, renin levels fall, and aldosterone levels lower as a result.
A resurgence of interest in aldosterone over the past decade led to the discovery of receptors for aldosterone not just in the kidneys but in blood vessels, white blood cells, fat cells, and heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes). And there is growing evidence that excess aldosterone may affect the heart in ways other than via high blood pressure.
Most individuals have never heard about this particular hormone, yet it plays an important role in cardiovascular health.
Aldosterone sends the signal to organs, like the kidney and colon, that can increase the amount of sodium the body sends into the bloodstream or the amount of potassium released in the urine. The hormone also causes the bloodstream to re-absorb water with the sodium to increase blood volume. All of these actions are integral to increasing and lowering blood vessels. Indirectly, the hormone also helps maintain the blood’s pH and electrolyte levels.
this is not to be confused with the effect of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is often released simultaneously with aldosterone. Together these two hormones can cause an increase in the amount of water taken up through the nephron, therefore increasing blood pressure.
how to treat high Aldosterone levels?
although you must consult your doctor before doing anything, these are some suggestion that have shown to be beneficial in this case.
Eat healthy
Following a balanced diet that helps you maintain a healthy weight can reduce your blood pressure. Start by choosing fresh, unprocessed foods to reduce your salt intake. Try incorporating elements of the DASH diet, which is designed for people with high blood pressure. In addition, many blood pressure medications work better when combined with a healthy diet. A diet lower in salt is often key in hyperaldosteronism.
Exercise
Consistent exercise, even just a 30-minute walk a few times a week, can help to reduce blood pressure.
Reduce alcohol and caffeine
Caffeine and alcohol can both increase your blood pressure. Some blood pressure medications are also less effective when taken with alcohol.
Quitting smoking
Smoking cigarettes constricts your blood vessels, which increases your heart rate and can raise blood pressure. Learn about different methods that can help you kick the habit. Smoking also increases your risk of heart attack and stroke, even without high blood pressure.