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Serum magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium levels and subclinical calcific aortic valve disease: A population-based
Takashi Hisamatsu1, Katsuyuki Miura2, Akira Fujiyoshi3
1Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan; Department of Public Health, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan; Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.
Insights
Serum magnesium levels are linked to a lower risk of aortic valve calcification, while higher phosphorus levels are associated with increased risk. These micronutrients may help predict or prevent calcific aortic valve disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Radiology
Background:
- Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a prevalent condition, yet the role of micronutrients in its development is not well understood.
- Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is a key feature of CAVD, impacting cardiovascular health.
- Evaluating the association between serum micronutrient levels and AVC is crucial for understanding CAVD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium levels and the prevalence, incidence, and progression of aortic valve calcification (AVC).
- To determine if these micronutrients can serve as potential biomarkers for CAVD risk prediction or prevention.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted on a population-based sample of Japanese men aged 40-79 years.
- Participants were free of known cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease at baseline.
- Aortic valve calcification (AVC) was quantified using serial computed tomography (CT) scans and the Agatston method.
Main Results:
- Higher serum magnesium levels were associated with a reduced risk of AVC prevalence and incidence (RR: 0.62 for both).
- Elevated serum phosphorus levels were linked to an increased risk of AVC prevalence and incidence (RR: 1.45 and 1.93, respectively).
- No significant association was found between serum micronutrient levels and the progression of AVC in participants with existing calcification.
Conclusions:
- Serum magnesium shows an inverse association, while serum phosphorus demonstrates a positive association with AVC prevalence and incidence.
- These findings suggest that serum magnesium and phosphorus may be valuable in predicting or preventing CAVD.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these associations and explore potential therapeutic interventions.
Background And Aims:
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common valve disease. Although micronutrients are known to contribute to cardiovascular disease, the relationship with CAVD remains poorly evaluated. We examined the association of serum levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium with prevalence, incidence, and progression of aortic valve calcification (AVC).
Methods:
We conducted a prospective study in a population-based sample of Japanese men aged 40-79 years without known cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease at baseline, and quantified AVC from serial computed tomographic images with the Agatston method.
Results:
Of 938 participants at baseline (mean age, 63.7 ± 9.9 years), AVC prevalence was observed in 173 (18.4%). Of 596 participants without baseline AVC at follow-up (median duration, 5.1 years), AVC incidence was observed in 138 (23.2%). After adjustment for demographics, behaviors and cardiovascular risk factors, relative risks (95% confidence intervals) in the highest versus lowest categories of serum magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium were 0.62 (0.44-0.86), 1.45 (1.02-2.04), and 1.43 (0.95-2.15), respectively, for AVC prevalence and 0.62 (0.42-0.92), 1.93 (1.28-2.91), and 1.09 (0.77-1.55), respectively, for AVC incidence. Their linear trends of serum magnesium and phosphorus were also all statistically significant. Of 131 participants with baseline AVC, there was no association of any serum micronutrients with AVC progression.
Conclusions:
Serum magnesium was inversely associated, while serum phosphorus was positively associated with AVC prevalence and incidence, suggesting that these serum micronutrients may be potential candidates for risk prediction or prevention of CAVD, and warranting further studies.
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