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Increased erythrocyte magnesium content in essential hypertension
S E Kjeldsen1, O M Sejersted, P Frederichsen
1Department of Internal Medicine, Ullevaal University Hospital, Norway.
Summary
Essential hypertension in 50-year-old males is linked to higher erythrocyte magnesium levels, not deficiency. This study found increased red blood cell magnesium in untreated hypertensive individuals compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Nutrition
Background:
- Essential hypertension is a common cardiovascular condition.
- The role of magnesium in hypertension is debated, with some studies suggesting deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate erythrocyte magnesium content in never-treated essential hypertension.
- To determine if magnesium deficiency is associated with essential hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to measure erythrocyte total magnesium.
- Comparison between untreated hypertensive males and age/sex-matched normotensive controls.
Main Results:
- Erythrocyte magnesium content was significantly higher in hypertensive individuals (2.266 +/- 0.063 mmol/l) versus controls (1.903 +/- 0.069 mmol/l).
- No significant differences were observed in serum magnesium or 24-hour urinary magnesium excretion between groups.
Conclusions:
- Increased erythrocyte magnesium, not deficiency, is indicated in this cohort of never-treated essential hypertension.
- Magnesium deficiency is unlikely in this specific group of carefully selected hypertensive patients.