Microalbuminuria in essential hypertension

Abstract

In essential hypertension the prevalence of microalbuminuria varies from 5% -40% in different studies. It has been shown that a subset of patients with essential hypertension only develops microalbuminuria. Then subset are characterized by salt sensitive hypertension, and a cluster of metabolic and haemodynamic abnormalities. It has been recognized that microalbuminuria in essential hypertension is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular complications. Microalbuminuria seems to constitute a simple and accurate method to detect a hypertensive patient at high risk for cardiovascular and probably renal complications. Blood pressure control is accompanied by a fall in urinary albumin excretion rate. Agents with the capacity to block the renin angiotensin system have shown the capacity to decrease urinary albumin excretion, which is independent of their ability to lower blood pressure. Whether reduction of microalbuminuria offered definite protection against cardiovascular or renal complication should be determined by specifically designed clinical trials.