Magnesium depletion score is associated with arterial stiffness: data from the Brisighella Heart Study

The magnesium depletion score (MDS) estimates magnesium deficiency risk by integrating dietary intake and physiological losses. This study evaluated the association between MDS and arterial stiffness in a rural Mediterranean population.

We analyzed data from 2048 participants (49.2% men, 50.8% women) in the Brisighella Heart Study. MDS and arterial stiffness parameters - augmentation index (AIx) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) - were assessed using validated methods. Multiple regression models adjusted for age and mean arterial pressure included sex, smoking, physical activity, BMI, heart rate, fasting glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, serum uric acid, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and MDS.

An MDS at least 2 was observed in 51.6% of participants, more often in men ( P  < 0.001). Higher MDS was significantly associated with increased AIx and cfPWV in both sexes ( P  < 0.001). MDS remained an independent predictor of AIx ( β  = 0.087, P  = 0.011) and cfPWV ( β  = 0.131, P  = 0.013) after adjustment.

Higher MDS values correlate with greater arterial stiffness, suggesting that magnesium imbalance may negatively affect vascular health.