Related Experiment Videos

Microalbuminuria as a marker of cardiac damage in essential hypertension

M Mettimano1, M L Specchia, A Migneco

  • 1Istituto Patologia Medica, Center for the Study of Hypertension, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy.

European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|February 28, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Subclinical urinary albumin excretion (UAE) in hypertension correlates with blood pressure and impaired diastolic function. This suggests UAE may indicate early cardiac involvement in hypertensive patients.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Research

Background:

  • Subclinical urinary albumin excretion (UAE), or microalbuminuria, is common in essential hypertension.
  • Elevated blood pressure is a key factor in microalbuminuria development.
  • Microalbuminuria may serve as an early indicator of cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of UAE in hypertensive individuals with normal left ventricular mass.
  • To investigate the association between UAE, blood pressure levels, and left ventricular function.
  • To explore UAE as a potential early marker of cardiac involvement in hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • 112 patients with stage 1-2 essential hypertension were enrolled.
  • Urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were performed.
  • Echocardiography assessed left ventricular mass and diastolic function.

Main Results:

  • A significant correlation was found between 24-hour systolic and diastolic blood pressure and UAE.
  • Impaired diastolic function showed a significant correlation with UAE.
  • UAE levels were influenced by blood pressure, with a stronger correlation to systolic values.

Conclusions:

  • Urinary albumin excretion (UAE) is influenced by blood pressure levels in hypertensive patients.
  • UAE is associated with subclinical reductions in left ventricular function.
  • UAE may represent an early marker of cardiac involvement in essential hypertension.

Related Concept Videos

Diabetic Nephropathy01:28

Diabetic Nephropathy

Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers01:20

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers

Cardiac biomarkers are enzymes, proteins, and hormones released into the blood when cardiac cells are injured. They are powerful tools for triaging.
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...