Cardiovascular implications of albuminuria.
Microalbuminuria is a major independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in persons with diabetes or hypertension, the general population, and persons with known CVD. Although microalbuminuria is a stronger risk factor in men, women with increased albuminuria levels are also at a higher risk of CVD. Microalbuminuria is an indicator of generalized endothelial injury, a hallmark of systemic atherosclerosis. Treatments that decrease albuminuria, particularly agents that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system, reduce CVD risk in various populations, including those with and without diabetes or hypertension. Whether albuminuria should be a treatment target for CVD is not yet proven. Nevertheless, the measurement of albuminuria is clinically useful to identify high-risk individuals who should receive intensive risk factor management based on current treatment guidelines.
Tuttle
Katherine R
KR
Research Department, The Heart Institute of Spokane, 122 West 7th Avenue, Suite 230, Spokane, WA 99204, USA. ktuttle@this.org
D000419:Albuminuria / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors