Aldosterone is a steroid hormone that is mainly recognized for its action on sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron of the kidney. In addition, however, aldosterone exerts other effects on the kidney, blood vessels and the heart, which can have pathophysiological consequences. In this Review, Briet and Schiffrin discuss the mechanisms of aldosterone-induced kidney and cardiovascular injury. The role of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in preventing the progression of chronic kidney disease and in the treatment of patients at high risk of cardiovascular events is also described.
- Marie Briet
- Ernesto L. Schiffrin
