High blood pressure (hypertension) is a chronic condition that damages blood vessels and body organs. It increases the risk for heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, and kidney failure. Some people with high blood pressure lose small amounts of protein in the urine (microalbuminuria). Also, some people with high blood pressure get thickened heart muscle (left ventricular hypertrophy). Both microalbuminuria and left ventricular hypertrophy increase risks for adverse outcomes such as heart attacks and strokes. However, researchers debate whether risks associated with microalbuminuria increase in a continuous, linear manner as levels of microalbuminuria increase or whether increased risks occur only when levels of microalbuminuria reach a particular point or threshold. It is also unclear whether the risk increases less than previously reported.