Abstract
Background The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is crucial involvement in both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for hypertension. However, the thresholds for detection vary depending on the characteristics of the examined population. Numerous factors can influence the quantification of the PRC and PAC, including instrumentation, methodology, geographical location, ethnicity, body posture, dietary habits, sex, and age. This study aimed to establish age- and sex-specific reference intervals for renin and aldosterone in Yunnan Province, China.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a comprehensive dataset including age, sex, medical and medication history, family history, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate), blood biochemical indices, plasma renin concentrations (PRC) and plasma aldosterone concentrations (PAC). A rigorous statistical analysis was conducted to investigate variations in renin and aldosterone levels by sex and age, facilitating the redefinition of groups. Subsequently, reference intervals for renin and aldosterone were established in the defined groups.Results This study involved 5200 ostensibly healthy individuals. Renin and aldosterone levels differed significantly across sex and age groups. Specifically, PRC was significantly lower in women than men, while PAC was significantly higher in men than women. PRC decreased with age, while PAC levels were lowest in the18–24 age group and peaked in the 25–64 age group.Conclusions Our findings underscore the crucial role of sex and age when precisely evaluating renin and aldosterone levels. This groundbreaking study established for the first time age- and sex-specific reference intervals for renin and aldosterone in healthy individuals in Yunnan Province, China.