Role of magnesium in hypertension

Abstract

Deficiency of magnesium, which is a relevant intracellular cation, may play an important role in etiology and course of hypertension. Even if the magnesium blood concentration is normal, its depleted intracellular concentration may lead to hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Hypomagnesemia causes functional impairment of endothelium and vessel smooth muscle tissue leading to increased peripheral resistance. This article discusses the role of hypomagnesemia in hypertension related to adrenal cortex pathology, preeclampsia and chronic alcoholism. Magnesium supplementation decreases the risk of primary hypertension, metabolic syndrome, as well as enhances the treatment of hypertension and certain types of secondary hypertension. Not all patients with hypertension get profit from magnesium supplementation, what illustrates multifactoral etiology of hypertension. Magnesium supplementation may be used as addition to hypertension therapy (especially based on diuretics) in preeclampsia, hypertension in chronic alcoholism, as well as in arrhythmia prevention.
Arterial Hypertension 2007, vol. 11, no 6, pages 536-544.