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[Underestimation of renal risk in cardiology clinics. RICAR study]

V Bertomeu Martínez1, J R González-Juanatey, V Bertomeu-González

  • 1Sección de Cardiología. Hospital Universitario de San Juan, Alicante.

Nefrologia : Publicacion Oficial De La Sociedad Espanola Nefrologia
|November 20, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cardiologists rarely use recommended tests for early kidney dysfunction detection in hypertensive patients. Despite high rates of renal dysfunction, microalbuminuria and glomerular filtration rate testing remain underutilized, even in high-risk individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Context:

  • Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and renal diseases.
  • Early detection of renal dysfunction is crucial for managing hypertensive patients.
  • Cardiology outpatient clinics manage a large population of hypertensive patients.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the utilization of microalbuminuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) testing in hypertensive patients within cardiology clinics.
  • To determine the prevalence of renal dysfunction in this patient cohort.
  • To identify factors influencing the performance of these tests.

Summary:

  • A multicenter observational study in Spain included 1224 hypertensive patients.
  • Microalbuminuria was measured in 34% of patients, with 49% testing positive.
  • GFR was determined in only 11% of patients, revealing significant renal dysfunction in 30%.

Impact:

  • The study highlights a gap in the routine screening for renal dysfunction in hypertensive patients managed by cardiologists.
  • Low utilization of recommended tests suggests a need for improved clinical practice guidelines and education.
  • Findings underscore the importance of integrating renal function assessment into cardiovascular care to prevent adverse outcomes.
Abstract

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