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Prevalence of microalbuminuria among patients with essential hypertension

Background: More recently, albuminuria has also been shown to be a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes. Increased urinary excretion of albumin ranging between 30 and 300 mg/d (i.e. microalbuminuria) has been found in a relatively large number of patients with essential hypertension. Aim of the Study: To assess the prevalence of albumin excretion rate and its relationship among patients with essential hypertension. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 hypertensive patients in the age group of 20-70 years at the Medicine outpatient department of Vinayaka Missions Medical College, Salem. Among the patients the renal cause for hypertension was excluded. Urine for estimation of microalbuminuria was stored at −200°C until the processing of samples. Urinary albumin excretion (UAE) was estimated by an immunoturbidometry method. Microalbuminuria was defined as UAE between 30 and 300 mg/24 hours. Arterial blood pressure was measured by mercury sphygmomanometer after five minutes of rest; the values reported represented the average of three consecutive measurements taken over a 15-minute period. Mean arterial pressure was calculated as diastolic blood pressure plus one-third of pulse pressure. Statistical Analysis: It was performed by standard methods to measure rates and proportions; chi square test was used for analyzing the associations between the variables. Results: Majority (62%) of the study population were having grade II systolic hypertension and about 78% were having grade II diastolic hypertension and 64% of them had microalbuminuria, 22% of them had retinopathic changes, and about 45% had left ventricular hypertrophy. There was a statistical significant association between grades of hypertension and presence of microalbuminuria. Conclusion: This study shows that an increased albumin excretion rate could be a valuable marker for premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.