What does RAAS mean in HOSPITALS

The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is a hormonal system composed of the hormones renin, angiotensin, and aldosterone. These hormones work together to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and regulate electrolyte balance in the body. RAAS also helps to control water retention in the body to regulate blood volume.

Renin, an enzyme released by the kidneys, helps to convert a precursor hormone known as angiotensinogen into angiotensin I. This triggers an increase in adrenalin release, which leads to vasoconstriction and increased blood pressure.

Angiotensin I is then converted to another active form of the hormone known as angiotensin II. Angiotensin II helps to further constrict blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure even more. It also stimulates production of aldosterone from the adrenal glands.

Aldosterone works to pull sodium and water into cells from outside sources. This helps with maintenance of healthy fluid balance throughout the body and increases blood pressure even further.

RAAS is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels within the body and regulating electrolyte balance which can affect tissue function if it becomes imbalanced. It is also essential for controlling homeostasis (internal stability).

RAAS typically becomes activated when there is a sudden decrease in renal perfusion or an increase in sodium concentration in the bloodstream. Activation leads to secretion of rennin from the kidneys which starts a chain reaction involving all three hormones (rennin, angiotensin, and aldosterone).

Yes! There are many medications available that act on either one or multiple components of this hormonal system. Examples include ACE inhibitors which block conversion of angiotensin I into angiotension II; ARBs which block receptor sites for angiotension II; diuretics which reduce water retention caused by aldosterone; or mineralocorticoid receptor agonists/antagonists which directly activate/block receptor sites for aldosterone.