Hyperactive renin-angiotensin system

What it means

An abnormally increased activity of the renin-angiotensin system, causing hypertension by a combination of volume excess and vasoconstrictor mechanisms.

If the kidneys sense reduced renal blood flow, as can happen with reduced blood pressure, they secrete renin into the blood, where it reacts with angiotensinogen to produce angiotensin I, which is converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Both angiotensin I and II are vasoconstrictors. Angiotensin II additionally leads to the production of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex, which in turn leads to an increase in blood volume.

Rare diseases that can present with this3

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Increased plasma renin activity