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Microalbuminuria and associated cardiovascular risk factors in the community
P H Winocour1, J O Harland, J P Millar
1Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.
Abstract:
The prevalence of microalbuminuria and relationship to cardiovascular risk factors was examined in a cross-sectional community survey of cardiovascular risk factors. Microalbuminuria (when classified as albumin concentration greater than 20 micrograms/ml) was present in 6.3% of subjects but in conjunction with an albumin/creatinine ratio greater than 3.5 in only 2.2%. Diastolic blood pressure, prevalence of abnormal electrocardiographs, and to a lesser extent systolic blood pressure and fibrinogen concentration, were greater in those with albuminuria concentrations greater than 20 micrograms/ml. The strongest positive univariate correlates of albumin/creatinine ratios in those with detectable albuminuria were age, fibrinogen, blood pressure, total- and low density lipoprotein-(LDL) cholesterol, apo B and alcohol intake, whereas fasting insulin and insulin resistance were inversely correlated. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age, gender, systolic blood pressure and insulin resistance independently accounted for 37% of the variability in albumin/creatinine ratios. When those 10 subjects with microalbuminuria and albumin/creatinine ratios greater than 3.5 were matched with 20 with normoalbuminuria for age, gender and body mass index, the microalbuminuric subjects had significantly lower LDL cholesterol/apo B ratios and a tendency to lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and HDL cholesterol/apo A1 ratios. Microalbuminuria is uncommon in the general population, and is related to ageing, blood pressure and other vascular risk factors. It may reflect the presence of established cardiovascular disease.
Insights
Microalbuminuria, a marker of kidney and cardiovascular risk, is uncommon in the general population. It is associated with aging, high blood pressure, and other vascular risk factors, potentially indicating existing cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Microalbuminuria is an early indicator of kidney damage and a predictor of cardiovascular disease.
- Understanding its prevalence and associated risk factors in the general population is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in a community-based population.
- To investigate the relationship between microalbuminuria and various cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional community survey was conducted.
- Microalbuminuria was assessed by albumin concentration and albumin-to-creatinine ratio.
- Statistical analyses, including univariate and multiple regression, were used to identify correlates.
Main Results:
- Microalbuminuria (albumin > 20 µg/ml) was found in 6.3% of subjects; with albumin/creatinine ratio > 3.5, it was 2.2%.
- Higher diastolic blood pressure, abnormal ECGs, systolic blood pressure, and fibrinogen were associated with albuminuria.
- Age, blood pressure, lipids (LDL, total cholesterol, apo B), and alcohol intake were positive correlates, while insulin and insulin resistance were inverse correlates of albumin/creatinine ratio.
Conclusions:
- Microalbuminuria is relatively uncommon in the general population.
- It is significantly associated with aging, elevated blood pressure, and other vascular risk factors.
- Microalbuminuria may signify underlying cardiovascular disease.