PROTEINURIA AND HYPERTENSION

Albuminuria is more prevalent in patients with primary hypertension th an in normotensive subjects of the general population. The presence of albuminuria predicts the presence of more severe target organ damage and is related to the risk of cardiovascular events. Preliminary resul ts show albuminuria even in some normotensive individuals with a genet ic risk of hypertension and in association with insulin resistance. Wh ile albuminuria is generally more frequent in the elderly, it is also found in young patients with mild to moderate primary hypertension. It is uncertain whether in these circumstances albuminuria indicates som e ''renal component'' in the etiology of primary hypertension. Massive albuminuria may occur in subjects with ''benign'' nephrosclerosis. Wh ether albuminuria is a predictor of hypertensive renal damage requires further study. Albuminuria is reduced by antihypertensive treatment, but diverse effects on albuminuria are seen with different antihyperte nsive agents.