The relationship between urinary cations obtained from the INTERSALT study and cerebrovascular mortality

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Cardiovascular Science
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Cerebrovascular disease (CVA) mortality is a significant global health concern.
• Dietary factors, including mineral intake, are implicated in CVA risk.
• The INTERSALT study provides extensive data on electrolyte excretion and health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between 24-hour urinary excretion of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and creatinine with CVA mortality.
• To explore sex-specific relationships between these urinary markers and CVA mortality in adults aged 45-74.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the multinational INTERSALT study, encompassing 25 countries.
• Employed multivariate analysis to assess relationships between urinary electrolytes and age-standardized CVA mortality.
• Examined ratios such as sodium/potassium (Na/K) and calcium/magnesium (Ca/Mg).

Main Results:

• Positive associations found between CVA mortality and urinary sodium excretion (men), Na/K ratio (women), and Na/Creat ratio (all groups).
• Negative correlations observed between CVA mortality and urinary magnesium (men and averaged) and potassium (women).
• Positive link between Ca/Mg ratio and CVA mortality (men and averaged); negative correlation with urinary creatinine excretion (stronger in men).

Conclusions:

• Dietary cation intake is directly related to CVA mortality.
• Elevated sodium intake and imbalanced Ca/Mg ratios may increase CVA risk.
• Magnesium and potassium may have protective effects against CVA mortality, suggesting potential dietary interventions.