Posted on 02/24/2006 7:24:09 AM PST by Founding Father
Substance levels point to high blood pressure
(ANSA) - Genoa, February 24 - The kidney can give important signs of the dangers of a heart attack or stroke, Genoa University researchers say .
Until now, a slight increase in the secretion of a substance called albumin - similar to albumen or egg white - was considered normal, the researchers say .
But such a rise is now believed to be a danger sign or 'red flag' showing that these patients have dangerously high blood pressure and are thus at greater risk of heart attacks, the Genoa team says .
By gauging the level of albumin in the urine, they say, many heart attacks and strokes can be prevented .
The Genoa study, presented at a major international conference on kidney disease here, is set to be published in the Americal Journal of Hypertension .
Albumin (from the Latin 'albus' white) refers generally to any soluble protein which congeals when heated, such as egg white (albumen). The term also refers to a specific blood plasma protein that is produced in the liver and forms a large proportion of all plasma protein. Albumin makes up about 60% of human plasma protein. All other proteins present in blood plasma are referred to as globulins. Albumin is essential for maintaining the pressure needed for proper distribution of body fluids .
Kidney patients often do not have enough of the substance and are given booster injections .
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Wouldn't a blood pressure cuff already reveal high blood pressure?
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