Aldosterone/Renin Profile
A specialised blood test measuring aldosterone, renin and the Aldosterone-to-Renin Ratio (ARR), a key screening investigation for hormonal causes of high blood pressure and adrenal gland disorders.
The Aldosterone/Renin Profile is a specialised blood test that measures aldosterone, renin, and calculates the Aldosterone-to-Renin Ratio (ARR). This profile is one of the most important screening tests used to investigate hormonal causes of high blood pressure (hypertension) and disorders affecting the adrenal glands.
By measuring both hormones together, the test provides a more complete assessment of the body's renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which regulates blood pressure, fluid balance, sodium, and potassium levels.
This profile is commonly requested by GPs, cardiologists, endocrinologists, and hypertension specialists when an underlying hormonal cause of high blood pressure is suspected.
What Does the Profile Include?
Testing both hormones together provides significantly more clinical information than measuring either hormone individually and allows healthcare professionals to assess whether aldosterone production is appropriate for the body's renin activity.
What Is Aldosterone?
Aldosterone is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys. It helps regulate blood pressure, sodium balance, potassium levels and fluid balance within the body. When aldosterone levels become too high or too low, blood pressure and electrolyte levels can become abnormal.
What Is Renin?
Renin is an enzyme released by specialised cells within the kidneys. It plays a key role in activating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which helps maintain healthy blood pressure and circulation. Changes in renin production may occur in kidney disease, adrenal disorders, dehydration, or conditions affecting blood flow to the kidneys.
What Is the Aldosterone-to-Renin Ratio (ARR)?
The Aldosterone-to-Renin Ratio (ARR) is calculated using the results of both hormone measurements and is considered the preferred initial screening test for primary aldosteronism (Conn's syndrome). Rather than looking at aldosterone or renin individually, the ratio helps clinicians determine whether aldosterone production is excessive relative to renin activity.
An abnormal ARR may indicate that the adrenal glands are producing too much aldosterone, which can contribute to persistent or difficult-to-control hypertension.
Why Might Your Doctor Request This Test?
Your healthcare professional may recommend an Aldosterone/Renin Profile if you have:
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
- Hypertension requiring multiple medications
- Low potassium (hypokalaemia)
- An adrenal gland nodule (adrenal incidentaloma)
- Early-onset hypertension
- A family history of primary aldosteronism
- Unexplained electrolyte abnormalities
- Suspected secondary hypertension
The profile is also commonly requested during endocrine investigations when routine blood pressure assessments do not identify an obvious cause.
Conditions This Test May Help Investigate
- Primary aldosteronism (Conn's syndrome)
- Secondary hyperaldosteronism
- Resistant hypertension
- Secondary hypertension
- Renal artery stenosis
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Chronic kidney disease
- Disorders affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
While this test is highly valuable as a screening investigation, further clinical assessment and additional testing may be required to confirm a diagnosis.
Benefits of the Aldosterone/Renin Profile
- Comprehensive assessment of the RAAS system
- Includes the clinically important Aldosterone-to-Renin Ratio (ARR)
- Helps investigate hormonal causes of hypertension
- Supports assessment of adrenal gland function
- May identify potentially treatable causes of high blood pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Your Aldosterone/Renin Profile
At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, we provide professional blood collection in our Central London clinic with rapid laboratory turnaround. The profile offers a comprehensive assessment of two key hormones involved in blood pressure regulation, including the clinically important Aldosterone-to-Renin Ratio (ARR).
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