Early Biomarkers of Renal Function Decline in Patients with Arterial Hypertension: A Clinical and Laboratory Assessment

Arterial hypertension is a major global health burden and a well-established risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Early renal impairment in hypertensive patients often remains clinically silent and may not be detected using conventional markers such as serum creatinine alone. Identification of sensitive biomarkers capable of detecting subclinical kidney damage is essential for improving risk stratification and preventing disease progression. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate early indicators of renal function decline in patients with arterial hypertension and to assess the association between microalbuminuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and blood pressure control status. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional clinical study was conducted involving 162 adult patients diagnosed with essential hypertension. Clinical characteristics, duration of hypertension, blood pressure levels, and laboratory parameters including serum creatinine, eGFR (calculated using the CKD-EPI formula), and urinary microalbumin levels were assessed. Patients were stratified according to blood pressure control and duration of disease. Statistical analysis included correlation analysis, independent t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Microalbuminuria was detected in 34.6% of hypertensive patients, including 18.2% of individuals with controlled blood pressure. A significant negative correlation was observed between duration of hypertension and eGFR (r = –0.41, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that duration of hypertension and systolic blood pressure were independent predictors of early renal dysfunction.