Abstract :
Background: Microalbuminuria in hypertensives is related to future development of cardiovascular morbidity. It is a simple test which is easily available. In the present study we attempted to look at the prevalence of microalbuminuria in cases of essential hypertension and also to determine its association with left ventricular hypertrophy and carotid intima-media thickness and retinopathy.
Aim of the study: To study microalbuminuria as a predictor factor for target organ damage in essential hypertension.
Materials and Methods: Hospital based prospective observational study done on 45 cases for duration of one year. Cases of essential hypertension were studied for microalbuminuria, for changes of left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular mass index distribution and for retinopathy.
Results: There was a slight male predominance and the M:F ratio was 2.7:1. Majority of cases were among 40-50 years age group ie, 62.2% cases. Microalbuminuria was present in 77.7% cases. ECG changes of left ventricular hypertrophy were present in 77.7% cases. Obesity and over weight were present in 15 (33.3%) subjects. Among 35 cases with microalbuminuria, 19 patients had hypertensive retinopathy changes. Among these 19 patients, Grade II retinopathy was most common and was diagnosed in 68.4% cases.
Conclusion: Microalbuminuria is common in patients with essential hypertension. Microalbuminuria can predict cardiovascular and ocular morbidity in the form of left ventricular hypertrophy, increased carotid intima-media thickness; and ocular morbidity respectively. Screening of all patients with essential hypertension will help to predict the future risk for target organ damage.
Keyword :
Microalbuminuria, Essential Hypertension, Left ventricular hypertrophy.