Microalbuminuria and risk of cardiovascular diseases in patients with diabetes and hypertension

Urinary albumin excretion is an indicator of the cardiovascular risk, especially in patients with diabetes and hypertension. Microalbuminuria is currently regarded as a marker of generalized endothelial dysfunction. It reflects transvascular albumin leakage, now recognized as an early event in atherogenesis and cardiovascular diseases. Observational studies and intervention trials have established that even low levels of albuminuria (microalbuminuria) are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in general, and especially in high-risk populations such as those with diabetes mellitus, hypertension or kidney disease. The aim of this short review is to present actual definitions of albuminuria and methods for measurement, and to summarize available evidence emphasizing strong relationships between microalbuminuria and other cardiovascular risk factors.