What do the results mean?If your results show you have higher than normal amounts of aldosterone (ALD), it may mean you have:Primary aldosteronism (also known as Conn syndrome). This disorder is caused by a tumor or other problem in the adrenal glands that causes the glands to make too much ALD.Secondary aldosteronism. This happens when a medical condition in another part of the body causes the adrenal glands to make too much ALD. These conditions include high blood pressure and diseases of the heart, liver, and kidneys.Preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure that affects pregnant womenBarter syndrome, a rare birth defect that affects the kidneys' ability to absorb sodiumIf your results show you have lower than normal amounts of ALD, it may mean you have:Addison disease, a type of adrenal insufficiency caused by damage or other problem with the adrenal glands. This causes too little ALD to be made.Secondary adrenal insufficiency, a disorder caused by a problem with the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. This gland makes hormones that help the adrenal glands work properly. If there are not enough of these pituitary hormones, the adrenal glands won't make enough ALD.If you are diagnosed with one of these disorders, there are treatments available. Depending on the disorder, your treatment may include medicines, dietary changes, and/or surgery. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
