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he RAAS is one of the most critical hormone systems in the body, primarily responsible for regulating your blood pressure, fluid balance and electrolyte levels.
How the RAAS Works
The system is a “cascade” where one substance triggers the next to raise blood pressure when it gets too low.
1. The Trigger: When the kidneys sense low blood pressure or low salt (sodium) levels, they release an enzyme called Renin.
2. The Liver’s Role: Renin meets a protein from the liver called Angiotensinogen and turns it into Angiotensin I.
3. The Conversion: As Angiotensin I passes through the lungs and kidneys, an enzyme called ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) converts it into the powerful hormone Angiotensin II.
4. The Action: Angiotensin II acts like a “master switch”:
It constricts blood vessels (narrowing them to increase pressure).
It triggers the Adrenal Glands to release Aldosterone.
The Role of Aldosterone
Aldosterone is the final piece of the puzzle. It tells the kidneys to reabsorb sodium back into the blood. Since water follows salt, this increases the total volume of blood in your body, which ultimately pushes your blood pressure back up to a healthy level.
Summary Table: Key Components
Component | Primary Source | Main Function |
Renin | Kidneys | Starts the cascade in response to low pressure. |
Angiotensin II | Bloodstream/Lungs | Constricts vessels; triggers thirst and aldosterone. |
Aldosterone | Adrenal Glands | Causes kidneys to keep salt and water. |
If you are taking blood pressure medication, you might recognise “ACE Inhibitors” or “ARBs”—these drugs work specifically by blocking parts of this RAAS system to keep your blood pressure from getting too high.
“How Insulin Resistance Activates RAAS”
When you have insulin resistance, your body chronically activates this emergency blood pressure system that evolved to save your life during hemorrhage or dehydration. Instead of occasional activation when needed, insulin resistance keeps RAAS “switched on” 24/7, leading to persistent sodium retention, vasoconstriction, and elevated blood pressure. This is why reversing insulin resistance allows RAAS to return to normal function – Learn more about the five mechanisms →
Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)
This video provides a clear visual breakdown of how the RAAS functions to regulate your body’s fluid and blood pressure levels.