Microalbuminuria as an indicator for LVH severity in patients with primary hypertension

Hypertension is among the most complex global public health concerns. Hypertension and kidney diseases share a strong correlation. The existence of microalbuminuria signifies early renal impairment. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is one of the early indicators of target organ damage in hypertension individuals.

To evaluate the connection between microalbuminuria and left ventricular mass index (LV mass index), as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, in people with primary hypertension.

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted for about 2 years and included 125 essential hypertensive patients who met JNC-8 criteria for ambulatory hypertension. Urine albumin excretion was estimated by the method of immunoturbidimetry. 2D echocardiography was performed to determine the LV mass index. Statistical analysis by standard methods to measure proportions and Chi-square test for analyzing association between variables was used.

Out of the 125 patients, 50 (40.0%) patients had LVH and 51 (40.8%) patients had microalbuminuria. Patients with LVH exhibited a prevalence of microalbuminuria at 72%. Microalbuminuria was significantly related with diastolic blood pressure and LV mass index.

This study shows that microalbuminuria is very common in essential hypertension with LVH. There is a significant association of microalbuminuria with LV mass index and diastolic blood pressure in patients of primary hypertension.