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A renin test is often done at the same time as an aldosterone test. In some people, it may be normal to have high blood levels of both renin and aldosterone. If renin levels are low and aldosterone levels are high, a tumor may be present in the adrenal glands.
A renin test is done to find the cause of high blood pressure (hypertension), especially when potassium levels in the blood are low.
For 2 to 4 weeks before the test, you may be asked to stop taking medicines that can affect the test, such as diuretics, Opens dialog, estrogens, Opens dialog, and high blood pressure medicines (especially beta-blockers, Opens dialog and ACE inhibitors). Your doctor may have you take other medicines for a few weeks that will not change the renin test results.
Do not eat natural black licorice for 2 weeks before the test. Do not eat or drink foods that contain caffeine the day before the test. Natural licorice and caffeine can change the test results.
For 3 days before a renin test, you may be asked to follow a special low-sodium diet.
You may be asked to not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the test.
Information about Renin Blood Test
You may need to sit or lie down to relax for 1 to 2 hours before your blood is collected. A second blood sample may be collected after you move around for 2 hours.
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
Normal
Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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