Doctors urge urine tests after high blood pressure diagnosis to detect kidney damage

Millions of people worldwide are living with Hypertension, a condition that health experts warn can quietly damage vital organs if left unmanaged, particularly the kidneys.

Health officials are now advising patients diagnosed with high blood pressure not to ignore routine urine tests, highlighting their importance in detecting early signs of kidney damage before symptoms appear.

According to clinical pharmacist Anum Iqbal, the kidneys function as the body’s natural filtration system, removing excess fluids and waste products from the bloodstream.

However, sustained hypertension can damage the small blood vessels within the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter properly.

When this happens, essential proteins may begin to leak into urine while harmful toxins remain in the body, a process that can progress silently for years without obvious warning signs.

One of the key diagnostic tools used in monitoring kidney health is the Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) test. Under normal conditions, only trace amounts of albumin — a protein — are present in urine.

Elevated levels can indicate early kidney impairment and, in severe cases, potential kidney failure.

Creatinine, a waste product excreted at a stable rate, is also measured to help doctors assess kidney performance more accurately by comparing protein levels against baseline kidney function.

Health experts recommend that individuals undergo ACR testing soon after receiving a hypertension diagnosis and repeat it at least once a year, depending on personal risk factors.

Medical professionals emphasize that early detection is crucial, as kidney disease often develops without noticeable symptoms in its initial stages.

Timely intervention, however, can significantly slow progression and reduce long-term complications.

Urine tests can also provide additional health insights, including medication adherence, signs of diabetes, infections, and abnormal electrolyte levels, all of which may contribute to or worsen high blood pressure.

Doctors say these screenings remain a key part of long-term monitoring for both blood pressure control and kidney health preservation.