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Microalbuminuria: What Is It? Why Is1It Important? What Should Be Done About It? 1 CME An Update
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Atul Chugh, MD; George L. Bakris, MD
Microalbuminuria (MA) is defined as a persistent elevation of albumin in the urine of >30 to 20 to 300 mg/d. Data support the concept that the presence of MA is the kidney’s warning that there is a problem with the vasculature. The presence of MA is a marker of endothelial dysfunction and a predictor of increased cardiovascular risk. MA can be reduced, and progression to overt proteinuria prevented, by aggressive blood pressure reduction, especially with a regimen based on medications that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and control of diabetes. The National Kidney Foundation From the Hypertension Center, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL Address for correspondence: George L. Bakris, MD, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 1027, Chicago, IL 60637 E-mail:
[email protected] Manuscript received November 28, 2006; revised December 13, 2006; accepted January 3, 2007
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THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION
ID: 6445
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recommends that blood pressure levels be maintained at or below 130/80 mm Hg in anyone with diabetes or kidney disease. (J Clin Hypertens. 2007;9:196–200) ©2007 Le Jacq
T
he acceptable amount of albumin in the urine is
