The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a critical regulator of blood volume, electrolyte balance, and systemic vascular resistance. While the baroreceptor reflex responds short term to decreased arterial pressure, the RAAS is responsible for acute and chronic alterations.
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is the system of hormones, proteins, enzymes and reactions that regulate your blood pressure and blood volume on a long-term basis.
It regulates your blood pressure by increasing sodium (salt) reabsorption, water reabsorption (retention) and vascular tone (the degree to which your blood vessels constrict, or narrow). The RAAS consists of three major substances, including:
- Renin (an enzyme).
- Angiotensin II (a hormone).
- Aldosterone (a hormone).
Enzymes are proteins that help trigger chemical reactions in your body. They build some substances and break others down.
Hormones are chemicals that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, muscles and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it.
