Microalbuminuria is common in patients with hypertension and even lower levels of albuminuria reflect subclinical cardiovascular damage which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Reduction of albuminuria is associated with improved prognosis independently of reduction of blood pressure and regression of left ventricular hypertrophy. Accordingly, albuminuria--an integrated measure of cardiovascular risk--should be monitored and reduced through intensified antihypertensive treatment in combination with careful correction of other cardiovascular risk factors.