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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Tests & Exams > Renin

Renin

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Why is the Test Performed?

How is the Test Performed?

How to Prepare for the Test?

How will the Test Feel?

Normal Values

What do Abnormal Results Mean?

Special Considerations

Risks

Pictures & Images

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Alternate Names : Plasma Renin Activity, PRA, Random Plasma Renin


Definition

The Renin test measures the amount of renin in the blood.

Pictures & Images

Kidney - Blood and Urine Flow
Kidney - Blood and Urine Flow

 
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Why is the Test Performed?

Plasma renin activity (PRA) is measured as part of the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.

Patients with primary hyperaldosteronism will have an increased aldosterone (for more information see the aldosterone test) production associated with a decreased PRA. Patients with secondary hyperaldosteronism (that is, caused by renal disease or renal vascular disease) will have increased plasma levels of renin and aldosterone.

Patients may also have renin and aldosterone levels checked in essential hypertension to evaluate if patients are salt sensitive. This will cause a low renin with normal aldosterone levels, and this helps to guide the physician in choosing the correct medication for these patients. Patients with low renin hypertension, who are salt sensitive, respond well to diuretic medications.

Renin is an enzyme released by specialized cells of the kidney into the blood. It is in response to sodium depletion and/or low blood volume. Renin converts angiotensinogen (a protein released into the blood by the liver) to angiotensin I.

Angiotensin I is converted to angiotensin II by an enzyme in the veins of the lungs. Angiotensin II acts on the adrenal cortex to stimulate the release of aldosterone. Aldosterone acts on the distal tubules of the kidneys to decrease the loss of sodium ions and secondarily fluid. This has the effect of increasing blood pressure. In addition, angiotensin causes constriction of small blood vessels, which also increases blood pressure.



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Definition
Why is the Test Performed?
How is the Test Performed?
How to Prepare for the Test?
How will the Test Feel?
Normal Values
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Special Considerations
Risks
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Addison's Disease
Cirrhosis
Essential Hypertension
Hyperaldosteronism - Primary and Secondary
Hypertension
Hypokalemia
Kidney Disease
Malignant Hypertension (Arteriolar Nephrosclerosis)
Proximal Renal Tubular Acidosis
Renovascular Hypertension

Tests & Exams

ADH
Aldosterone
Blood Pressure
Venipuncture

Other Topics

Adolescent Test or Procedure Preparation
Balanced Diet
Bleeding
Distal
Enzyme
Fainting
Infant Test/Procedure Preparation
Preschooler Test/Procedure Preparation
Protein in Diet
Renal
School Age Test/Procedure Preparation
Toddler Test/Procedure Preparation

Review Date : 1/25/2002
Reviewed By : Debbie Cohen, M.D., Renal and Electrolyte Division, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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