What is an aldosterone (ALD) test?This test measures the amount of aldosterone (ALD) in your blood or urine. ALD is a hormone made by your adrenal glands, two small glands located above the kidneys. ALD helps control blood pressure and maintain healthy levels of sodium and potassium. Sodium and potassium are electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that help balance the amount of fluids in your body and keep nerves and muscles working properly. If ALD levels are too high or too low, it can be a sign of a serious health problem.ALD tests are often combined with tests for renin, a hormone made by the kidneys. Renin signals the adrenal glands to make ALD. The combined tests are sometimes called an aldosterone-renin ratio test or aldosterone-plasma renin activity.Other names: aldosterone, serum; aldosterone urine
