Prevalence of renal disease in elderly hypertensive patients with cardiovascular problems

Renal vascular damage caused by arterial hypertension participates in the alterations to systemic vascular function and structure. Nephrosclerosis seems to run in parallel with systemic atherosclerosis, which accounts for the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality seen in hypertensive patients. Parameters indicating the existence of an alteration in renal function (increased serum creatinine, proteinuria and microalbuminuria) are independent predictors for an increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Hence, parameters of renal function have to be considered in any stratification of cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients.