Biomedical
Peer Reviewed
In the initial diagnostics of arterial hypertension (AH) laboratory medicine is a cornerstone, along with a blood pressure (BP) measurement and an electrocardiogram. It mainly refers to routine blood and urine tests for diagnosis and monitoring primary hypertension and its associated conditions such as asymptomatic hypertension-mediated organ damage, chronic kidney disease and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. In addition, long term non-fatal and fatal risks for cardiovascular (CV) events in hypertension are assessed based on clinical and laboratory data. Furthermore, laboratory medicine is involved in the management of hypertension, especially in monitoring the disease progression. However, antihypertensive drugs may interfere with laboratory test results. Diuretics, especially thiazides, can affect blood and urine sodium concentrations, or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can affect the blood biomarkers of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). It’s dysfunction plays a critical role in primary aldosteronism (PA), the most common endocrine disorder in secondary hypertension, which accounts for only small proportion of AH in relative terms but substantial proportion of hypertensives in absolute terms, affecting younger population and carrying a higher risk of CV mortality and morbidity. When screening for PA, aldosterone-to-renin ratio still contributes massively to the increased incidence of the disease, despite certain limits. In conclusion, laboratory medicine is involved in the screening, diagnosis, monitoring and prognosis of hypertension. It is of great importance to understand the preanalytical and analytical factors influencing final laboratory result.
Laboratory medicine is essential in the initial diagnosis of AH, complementing blood pressure measurements and electrocardiograms. Routine blood and urine tests help identify primary hypertension and associated conditions such as asymptomatic hypertension-mediated organ damage, chronic kidney disease, and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.
Laboratory tests provide critical data for evaluating both non-fatal and fatal long-term cardiovascular risks in individuals with hypertension. These assessments guide clinical decisions and management strategies to mitigate potential cardiovascular events.
Yes, antihypertensive drugs can influence laboratory test outcomes. For instance, diuretics, particularly thiazides, may alter blood and urine sodium levels. Additionally, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers can affect biomarkers within the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Primary aldosteronism is the most prevalent endocrine disorder causing secondary hypertension. Although it represents a small percentage of AH cases, it significantly impacts younger populations and is associated with higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Laboratory diagnostics, including the aldosterone-to-renin ratio, are crucial for screening and diagnosing PA.
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2024 November | 47 | 47 |
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Total | 258 | 258 |
Show by month | Manuscript | Video Summary |
---|---|---|
2025 April | 1 | 1 |
2025 March | 52 | 52 |
2025 February | 40 | 40 |
2025 January | 46 | 46 |
2024 December | 55 | 55 |
2024 November | 47 | 47 |
2024 October | 17 | 17 |
Total | 258 | 258 |