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Calcium and magnesium in essential hypertension
1MRC Blood Pressure Unit, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, U.K.
Clinical Science (London, England : 1979)
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Essential hypertension is linked to altered calcium and magnesium metabolism. Hypertensive patients showed decreased urinary magnesium excretion, inversely correlating with blood pressure, suggesting a role for magnesium in hypertension management.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Disturbances in calcium metabolism are implicated in hypertension.
- Previous research suggests a link between mineral metabolism and blood pressure regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma and serum concentrations of ionized calcium, total calcium, magnesium, and renin in patients with essential hypertension.
- To determine urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, and sodium in hypertensive and control subjects.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of serum and plasma electrolytes and hormones in 38 hypertensive patients and matched controls.
- Analysis of urinary calcium, magnesium, and sodium excretion over 24 hours.
- Correlation analysis between mineral concentrations, urinary excretion, and blood pressure parameters.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in serum ionized or total calcium between hypertensive and control groups.
- A weak positive correlation was observed between serum ionized calcium and systolic pressure.
- Significantly lower urinary magnesium excretion was found in hypertensive subjects, inversely correlating with blood pressure.
Conclusions:
- Essential hypertension is associated with altered magnesium metabolism, characterized by reduced urinary excretion.
- Magnesium homeostasis may play a role in blood pressure regulation, warranting further investigation.
- While calcium levels were not significantly different, the observed correlations suggest potential links between mineral metabolism and hypertension.