This test is aslo known as Aldosterone Test, Renin Test, Aldosterone and Renin Ratio Test, Aldosterone and Renin Activity Test, PRA Test, Plasma Renin Activity Test.
Aldosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in maintaining normal sodium and potassium concentrations in blood and in controlling blood volume and pressure. Renin is an enzyme that controls aldosterone production. The Aldosterone/Plasma Renin Activity (PRA) Ratio test measure the levels or the ratio between aldosterone and renin in the blood.
However, some health care practitioners prefer 24-hour urine collection for aldosterone since blood aldosterone levels vary throughout the day and are affected by position.
In some complex cases, blood is collected from the renal (for renin) or adrenal (for aldosterone) veins by inserting a catheter; this is done in the hospital at major medical centers by a specially trained radiologist.
Therefore this test is most useful in testing for one of the major causes of high blood pressure and can identify issues with the adrenal gland.
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When you have high blood pressure, a blood aldosterone test and a renin test are generally requested together, especially if the person also has low potassium. Even if potassium levels are within normal limits, testing may be necessary if standard drugs fail to control high blood pressure or if hypertension develops at a young age. Because primary aldosteronism is a potentially curable form of hypertension, it’s critical to catch it early and effectively treat it.
When a healthcare practitioners may order a test when you develop symptoms or signs associated with increased aldosterone production, such as elevated blood pressure, muscle weakness, and low potassium. They may also order it for low aldosterone production, such as low blood pressure, high potassium, and low sodium.
For a blood aldosterone and renin measurement, the health care practitioner may ask you to be upright or lying down for a period (e.g., 15 to 30 minutes) prior to sample collection. Before the test, you may also be instructed to avoid certain beverages, foods, or medications. However ask your doctor & follow accordingly.
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A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm known as "Vanipuncture".
Sample report in a format
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