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4. Primary Aldosteronism and RAAS

RAAS, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, regulates important functions, including fluid and electrolyte balance. Low salt levels prompt the kidneys to produce the protein renin. The liver produces angiotensinogen, which is converted to angiotensin for narrowing the blood vessels. Too much aldosterone means the body retains too much sodium, elevating blood pressure. This increases the glomerular filtration rate, the process used to clean the fluid that passes through the kidneys. As a result, less renin is released, and fluid and electrolyte balances are thrown off.

Angiotensin hypertension RAAS Shidlovski / Getty Images

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