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The relationship between blood pressure and plasma magnesium level in hypertensive patients

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between blood pressure and plasma magnesium levels in patients referred to the emergency department with hypertensive attack. Epidemiological evidence on the effects of magnesium on blood pressure is inconsistent. Metabolic and experimental studies suggest that magnesium may have a role in the regulation of blood pressure. Magnesium regulates various ion channels in many tissues, including those of the cardiovascular system. Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation, and the important element that has numerous biological functions in the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, magnesium acts as a calcium antagonist, regulating the calcium metabolism.

Methods

Patients were included who were taken to the emergency department due to hypertensive attack. Their age, gender, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded. In order to see the plasma magnesium levels, venous blood samples were taken. The results were compared with a chi-square test. The values P < 0.05 were accepted as significant.

Results

Seventy-three patients (35 of whom were female, 38 males) were included in the study. The average age was 47 ± 6.3 (ranging from 33 to 68 years). The average blood pressure of the patients was found as systolic 200 ± 10 (range 185–240) mmHg, diastolic 105 ± 7 (range 95–110) mmHg. The average plasma magnesium levels were 1.4 ± 0.3 (range 0.9–2.2) mg/l. The plasma magnesium levels were low in 29 patients (ranging from 0.9 to 1.7 mg/l). There was a negative relationship systolic blood pressure and plasma magnesium level (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a negative relationship diastolic blood pressure and plasma magnesium level (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Low plasma magnesium levels would be an important factor for elevated blood pressure and hypertensive attack.

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Bayir, A., Cander, B., Ak, A. et al. The relationship between blood pressure and plasma magnesium level in hypertensive patients. Crit Care 11 (Suppl 2), P241 (2007). https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1186/cc5401

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  • DOI: https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.1186/cc5401

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