Microalbuminuria is a strong and independent indicator of increased cardiovascularrisk among individuals with and without diabetes and hypertension. The pathophysiologicmechanism underlying the association between albumin excretion and cardiovascular disease(CVD) is that microalbuminuria can be a predictor of CVD risk as it reflects the vascular damagein kidneys. It also shows endothelial damage predicting CV disease risk. Based on this theory,periodic screening for microalbuminuria could allow early identification of vascular diseaseand help stratify overall cardiovascular risk, especially in patients with risk factors such ashypertension or diabetes. Therefore microalbuminuria can be used for stratification of risk forcardiovascular disease. Once microalbuminuria is present, cardiovascular risk factor reductionshould be aggressive. Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the role ofmicroalbuminuria as an atherosclerotic risk factor and its association with coronary arterydisease. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Duration of Study: Duration of study was6 months with first patient enrolled on 16-03-2007 and last patient enrolled on 15-09-2007.Setting: Medical Unit-III and CCU Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Subjects: 300 patients withacute coronary syndrome, admitted in Allied hospital Faisalabad were enrolled. Methods: 300patients diagnosed as having acute coronary syndrome admitted in Allied hospital Faisalabad,were included in the study. Early morning urine as well as 24 hour urine had been collectedin sterilized urine bags and microalbuminuria was tested. Results: In this study 300 patientshaving acute coronary syndrome were enrolled. Microalbuminuria was positive in 66 (22%)patients and 234 (78%) patients had no microalbuminuria. There was significant associationbetween microalbuminuria and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Conclusion: It isconcluded that microalbuminuria is an atherosclerotic risk factor and it is strongly associatedwith coronary artery disease.
ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME;
