What it means
When blood pressure or blood flow to the kidneys falls, the kidneys release renin. Renin starts a chain that makes angiotensin II, which tightens blood vessels and tells the adrenal cortexuh-DREE-nul KOR-teksThe outer layer of each adrenal gland, which makes the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone.ad- nearren kidney-al relating tocortex outer layer (Latin, bark)Full entry to release aldosterone. Aldosterone makes the kidneys keep sodium and water (and get rid of potassium), so blood volume and pressure rise. ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and aldosterone blockers lower blood pressure by blocking steps of this chain.
At a glance
| Spanish | sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona |
|---|---|
| Also written | RAAS |
Related terms
hypertension
Blood pressure that stays higher than normal, at or above 130/80 mm Hg by current US guidelines.
heart failure
A long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
renal
Relating to the kidneys.
adrenal cortex
The outer layer of each adrenal gland, which makes the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone.