Association of hypomagnesemia with cardiovascular diseases and hypertension

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review the current evidence on the effects of Mg(2+) deficiency on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension, since Mg(2+) is a potent vasodilator and modulates vasomotor tone, blood pressure and peripheral blood flow. Several factors could contribute to its deficiency and when it occurs, is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, heart failure (HF), and cardiac arrhythmias. METHODS: In order to get a better to get an updated perspective of the current status of Mg(2+) deficiency and its implications in CVD, hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmias, a focused Medline search of the English language literature was conducted between 2014 and 2018 and 30 pertinent papers were retrieved. RESULTS: The analysis of data showed that Mg(2+) deficiency is difficult to occur, under normal circumstances, because it is plentiful in green leafy vegetables, cereals, nuts, and the drinking water. However, Mg(2+) deficiency can occur under special circumstances such as hypertension and HF treated with large doses of diuretics, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) treated with hemodialysis, and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease treated with proton pump inhibitors. When hypomagnesemia occurs, it is associated with serious cardiac arrhythmias and aggravation of hypertension. CONCLUSION: The analysis of data suggests that Mg(2+) deficiency does occur and it is associated with an increased incidence of CVD, HF, serious cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension. Retaining normal Mg(2+) levels will prevent the onset of these diseases.