Relevance of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular prognosis in arterial hypertension

Recently published guidelines recognize the relevance of the finding of chronic kidney disease in the stratification of risk of the hypertensive patient. Determination of the presence of microalbuminuria and estimation of glomerular filtration rate are mandatory in order to ensure an adequate evaluation of global cardiovascular risks in the hypertensive patient. The presence of subtle elevations of serum creatinine concentrations and/or proteinuria are also potent predictors of a poor cardiovascular prognosis. Clustering of associated risk factors seems to justify the elevated cardiovascular risk observed in patients with essential hypertension and mild alterations of renal function.