To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Normal Range of Albumin Too Low to Predict Hypertension URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/22439A.htm Doctor's Guide June 25, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC -- June 25, 2008 -- Healthy individuals with higher levels of albumin excretion, even levels considered normal, are at increased risk of developing hypertension, according to a study appearing online now and in the October 2008 print issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. The study suggests that to prevent cardiovascular disease, the definition of "normal" urinary albumin excretion should be reconsidered. Because less research has been done in low-risk populations, it unclear whether higher, although normal, levels of albumin in the urine might indicate that generally healthy individuals are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. To clarify the issue, John Forman, MD, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and his colleagues looked at the new development of hypertension among 2,179 women without baseline hypertension or diabetes, and with normal levels of urine albumin, who were enrolled in the Nurses' Health Studies, which are among the largest and longest running investigations of factors that influence women's health. The researchers discovered that higher levels of urinary albumin excretion, even within the range considered normal, increased an individual's risk of developing hypertension. Among older women, those with the highest levels of albumin excretion were 76% more likely to develop hypertension than those with the lowest levels. For younger women, the risk was 35% higher. These elevated risks held true when factors such body mass index, blood pressure, smoking, and family history of hypertension were taken into account. The authors concluded that their results, in conjunction with the findings of various other studies, suggest that "it is time to re-evaluate our current concept of 'normal' albumin excretion." Hypertension monitoring and treatment of individuals with higher urine albumin levels, even which are within the currently defined normal range, may be warranted. SOURCE: Journal of the American Society of Nephrology --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.