Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Factors that can affect aldosterone measurements include:

• Acute stress
• Dietary salt intake
• Strenuous exercise

Many medications can influence aldosterone levels, including:

• ACE inhibitors
• Calcium channel blockers
• Diuretics
• Heparin
• Lithium
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Propranolol

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Aldosterone Results

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Aldosterone Prevention

Review Date: 07/25/2009
Reviewed By: Robert Cooper, MD, Endocrinology Specialist and Chief of Medicine, Holyoke Medical Center, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)