THE ROLE OF IONIZED MAGNESIUM IN HYPERTENSION - INTERLEUKINS

Abstract

Objective: Magnesium is involved in about 600 enzymatic and metabolic reactions. In patients at risk, e.g. hypertensives, a magnesium deficiency has to be taken into account. This can result in a varity of diseases, e.g. cardiovascular disorder, inflammation, arteriosclerosis and hypertension. In addition, a magnesium loss can result in inreased interleukins 6 values, an important marker for inflammation. Design and method: Diagnosis of a magnesium deficiency can be usually performed either by laboratory measurements of serum magnesium routinely, anamnesis, or clinical symptoms. The determination of ionized magnesium in blood is a new diagnostic tool to detect a magnesium deficiency very early (Phox plus apparatus, Nova Biomedical, Andover, USA). The analytical specification for imprecision CV% is about 3.0. In a variety of newer studies no correlation between serum and ionozed magnesium existed. Interleukins were measured addionally in our patients, as a marker for inflammation in hypertension. 24 Patient with primary hypertension and metabolic syndrome were studied. All patients had a normal renal function, and no diuretics or magnesium supplements. Results: Ionized magnesium was measured 0.61 +/- 0.11 mmol/l. Normal range: 0.55-0.75 mmol/l. Interleukin 6 values were statistically significantly inreased in hypertensives with metabolic syndrome, 5.43 +/- 3.9 pg/ml as compared to the normal range (p< 0.05, means +/- SD, normally < 2 pg/ml). Conclusions: Ionized magnesium was found in the lower normal range in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome. In all patients Interleukins 6 were significantly increased (p<0.05). Newer data show that patients with hypertension and metabolic syndrome can benefit from a magnesium therapy showing also a positive effect on interleukins and inflammation or artriosclerosis. In this context an intact magnesium handling is of special importance in avoiding organ damage. A supplementation of about 300 mg magnesium daily in these patients can be beneficial.