Prevalence and Determinants of Microalbuminuria in Hypertensive Patients: A Multicenter Epidemiological Study

Abstract

Microalbuminuria is a recognized marker of early kidney damage and an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity in hypertensive patients. This study aims to assess the prevalence and determinants of microalbuminuria in hypertensive individuals across multiple healthcare centers. A multicenter epidemiological study was conducted on 500 hypertensive patients from urban and rural hospitals. Urinary albumin excretion was measured using spot urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), and microalbuminuria was defined as an ACR of 30–300 mg/g. Clinical and biochemical parameters, including blood pressure, glycemic status, lipid profile, and renal function, were analyzed to identify factors associated with microalbuminuria. The results revealed a prevalence of 28.5% for microalbuminuria among hypertensive patients, with higher rates observed in individuals with diabetes, obesity, and prolonged hypertension duration. Significant correlations were found between microalbuminuria and elevated systolic blood pressure, poor glycemic control, and dyslipidemia. The study concludes that microalbuminuria is common in hypertensive patients and is strongly linked to metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. Routine screening for microalbuminuria in hypertensive individuals is recommended for early detection and prevention of kidney and cardiovascular complications. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore the impact of interventions on reducing microalbuminuria progression.