What is the role of aldosterone in hypertension?

Aldosterone plays a significant role in the regulation of blood pressure and is a key factor in the development of hypertension. It is a mineralocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and its primary function is to regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body. When aldosterone is secreted, it promotes the reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys. This sodium retention leads to an increase in blood volume since water follows sodium to maintain osmotic balance. As blood volume increases, blood pressure rises, contributing to hypertension.

The other choices do not accurately reflect aldosterone's primary actions. While it does lead to potassium excretion, the crucial role in hypertension is more directly tied to its effect on sodium retention. Aldosterone does not promote vasodilation; instead, it influences blood pressure primarily through volume expansion. Furthermore, while stabilizing blood vessel walls may be an indirect effect of other hormones or factors, it is not a primary function of aldosterone in the context of hypertension. Therefore, the correct connection to hypertension is through sodium retention, making that option the most accurate in describing aldosterone's role.