THE FREQUENCY OF MICRO-ALBUMINURIA IN PRE-HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

ABSTRACT:
Objective: To determine the frequency of microalbuminuria in pre-hypertensive patients.
Material and method: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted at Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar for
a duration of 6 months. Total of 465 patients were observed through non probability consecutive sampling technique
for sample collection. The frequency of micro-albuminuria was measured in patient with pre-hypertension. Patients with
blood pressure(BP) of 130-139/80-89 at three outdoor visits, were defined as pre-hypertension.
Results: In this study, 23% patients were in age range 25-35 years, 47% patients were in age range 36-45 years, 30%
patients were in age range 46-55 years. Mean age was 40 years, with SD ± 10.26 yrs. 62% patients were male and
38% patients were female. The frequency of microalbuminuria in pre-hypertensive patients was 4%.
Conclusion: Pre-hypertension should not be considered innocent. Microalbuminuria association with pre-hypertension
is the tip of an ice berg. Its association with other target organ damage needs more correlation studies and continuous
struggle in a targeted approach.
Key words: Frequency, microalbuminuria, pre-hypertensive.