Association Between Microalbuminuria and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients: A Marker of Target Organ Damage

Microalbuminuria, an indicator of endothelial dysfunction and organ damage, is often linked to left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in individuals with hypertension. Identifying microalbuminuria early can offer critical insights into assessing cardiovascular risks. This research aimed to explore the relationship between microalbuminuria and LVH in hypertensive patients and to evaluate the clinical relevance of microalbuminuria as an indicator of organ damage. This cross-sectional study involved 150 hypertensive patients, divided into two groups: 75 with LVH (Group 1) and 75 without LVH (Group 2). LVH was diagnosed using echocardiography, specifically the left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Microalbuminuria was measured via the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) in a single urine sample, with a cutoff of 30–300 µg/mg. Data on blood pressure, hypertension duration, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. Statistical analyses included t-tests and chi-square tests. Microalbuminuria was significantly more common in Group 1 than in Group 2 (60% vs. 20%; p < 0.001). The average ACR was also higher in Group 1 (65.4 ± 20.7 µg/mg vs. 22.5 ± 10.2 µg/mg; p < 0.001). Patients with LVH had a longer history of hypertension, higher BMI, and increased blood pressure compared to those without LVH (p < 0.05). Microalbuminuria is closely associated with LVH in hypertensive patients and can serve as a non-invasive marker for organ damage. Regular screening for microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients can enhance risk assessment and inform targeted treatments.