Hypertensive patients with target organ damage-as evidenced by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and albuminuria-are at increased cardiovascular risk. Aggressive treatment of hypertension is recommended to minimize organ damage.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Hospital have shown that a simple, inexpensive spot urine test can be used to predict LVH in young, hypertensive black men. The urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) was higher in men with LVH than in those without LVH and was as sensitive a predictor of LVH as electrocardiography. When combined with electrocardiographic criteria for the presence of LVH, the sensitivity increases significantly. Lead author Wendy S. Post says that if these results are verified, the inexpensive and simple ACR test can be used to detect early organ damage and allow for early and aggressive treatment of hypertension.

Post WS et al. American Journal of Hypertension 2000;13:1168-72.