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Increased erythrocyte magnesium in untreated essential hypertension
S E Kjeldsen1, O M Sejersted, P Frederichsen
1Department of Internal Medicine, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Summary
Essential hypertension is not linked to magnesium deficiency in middle-aged men. Erythrocyte magnesium levels were higher in hypertensive individuals, suggesting normal magnesium status in this population.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Essential hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular condition.
- The role of magnesium in hypertension is debated, with some studies suggesting deficiency.
- Intracellular magnesium levels may be more indicative of status than serum levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis of magnesium deficiency in essential hypertension.
- To compare erythrocyte magnesium levels between hypertensive and normotensive individuals.
- To assess serum and urinary magnesium excretion in relation to hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to measure erythrocyte magnesium.
- Participants included never-treated essential hypertensive men and matched normotensive controls.
- Serum magnesium concentration and 24-hour urinary magnesium excretion were also analyzed.
Main Results:
- Erythrocyte magnesium content was significantly higher in the hypertensive group (P < 0.001).
- No significant differences were observed in serum magnesium concentration between groups.
- No significant differences were found in 24-hour urinary magnesium excretion between groups.
Conclusions:
- Magnesium deficiency is unlikely to be a contributing factor in essential hypertension among white middle-aged men.
- Elevated erythrocyte magnesium in hypertensive individuals suggests normal or potentially higher magnesium status.
- Further research may be needed to explore the complex relationship between magnesium and hypertension in different populations.