Prevalence and clinical correlates of microalbuminuria among patients of essential hypertension in tertiary care center of Nepal: A cross-sectional study

Microalbuminuria is an early marker indicating renal damage and is known to predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in individuals with essential hypertension. However, research on the prevalence of microalbuminuria among hypertensive patients attending tertiary care centers is limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria among patients with essential hypertension in a tertiary care center and to evaluate its association with demographic and clinical parameters. A cross-sectional research study was conducted at a tertiary care facility, involving 362 patients diagnosed with essential hypertension. The study utilized a spot urine sample to assess microalbuminuria, measured by the albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Data encompassing patient demographics, clinical history, blood pressure readings, and biochemical parameters were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. The prevalence of microalbuminuria in the study population was found to be 57.7%. Microalbuminuria was significantly associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Age, gender, and body mass index showed no significant correlation with the presence of microalbuminuria. The study reveals a high prevalence of microalbuminuria among patients with essential hypertension in a tertiary care setting. Regular screening for microalbuminuria in hypertensive patients is recommended for early detection and management to prevent progression to overt renal disease and reduce cardiovascular risks.