Its formation in the kidney is enhanced by restriction of dietary salt, suggesting it may help retain sodium as follows:

As a result of cells retaining sodium and eliminating potassium, water is retained and blood pressure is increased by increasing the blood volume.

Fludrocortisone (Florinef) is a synthetic mineralocorticoid (a compound used to retain sodium and water and thus raise blood pressure).

So they respond by releasing hormones that stimulate the body to retain sodium and water.

The mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone control many electrolyte levels and allow the kidneys to retain sodium.

As a result, the kidneys often respond by causing the body to retain fluid (water) and sodium.

At the same time it is not nearly so rigorous at retaining sodium as aldosterone, more than 20 times less.

Patients with congestive heart failure tend to retain sodium, also necessitating an increase in dosage.

Aldosterone causes the tubules of the kidneys to retain sodium and water.

Dr. Light found that about a quarter of blacks tend to retain sodium under stress, a trait she believes is inherited.