Cardiovascular Autonomic Function
in Microalbuminuria
801-803
Correspondence
Dr. Sudhanva S.
Assistant Professor, Department of physiology
Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences
Hassan-573201, Karnataka, India
Mobile: +91-9480202815; E-mail: sudhanvadr@gmail.com
Background: Microalbuminuria (MA) has emerged as a risk factor for left ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular diseases and retinopathy which is independent of blood pressure.
Aim: The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between cardiovascular autonomic function and microalbuminuria.
Methods: The study comprised of 200 male subjects of age group >50 years, who were classified into 2 groups of 100 subjects each. 1) Subjects with MA and 2) Age matched healthy controls without MA. The tests which were performed were 1) Heart rate response to deep breathing, Valsalva maneuover and standing. 2) Blood pressure response to standing and to asustained handgrip. Individual tests were given a score of 0, 1, or 2 and an overall autonomic test score of 0-10 was obtained.
Results: The mean autonomic score in the controls and in subjects with MA were 5.73 ± 1.26 and 7.00 ± 1.80 respectively. The coefficient of variation (CV%) of the controls and the subjects with MA was 21.9 and 25.7 respectively. A significant difference in the autonomic score was observed in the subjects with MA (p<0.01) as compared to the controls.
Conclusion: The impairment of the autonomic function leads to an increased renal blood flow, glomerular hyperfiltration, and sodium excretion, which accelerates its progression to microalbuminuria. In conclusion, individuals with microalbuminuria should be diagnosed early to minimize cardiovascular complications.