Decreased ionized magnesium and an increased ionized calcium-magnesium ratio in elderly hypertensives

Objective: Alterations in the metabolism of calcium and magnesium are involved in the pathogenesis of essential hy-pertension. The calcium and magnesium flux across the external membrane is regulated by a calcium pump (calcium-magnesium ATPase), calcium and magnesium (TRPM 6 and 7) channels, and a sodium magnesium antiport. An increased calcium-magnesium ratio is known to be involved in the devel-opment of atherosclerosis. Early onset of this disorder is known in hypertension. In earlier animal studies, this phenomenon was described. Materials and methods: We now present a study in 18 hypertensive elderly subjects assessing ionized magne-sium concentrations and ionized calcium -magnesium ratio in blood measured by a prime plus apparatus by Nova Medical, Ro-dermark, Germany. Results: In 18 elderly hypertensive subjects (9 male/9 female, with normal renal function), ionized mag-nesium was measured 0.55 +/- 0.04 mmol/L (normal range: 0.54 - 0.80 mmol/L). The ionized calcium/ionized magnesium ratio was 2.33 +/- 0.18 (normal range below 2.40). Approximately 40% of elderly hypertensive individuals had an increased ratio of ionized calcium and magnesium, which is known to be a marker for the development of athero-sclerosis. Conclusion: As described earlier, a magnesium deficiency can be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension and in the el-derly. Further studies have to be performed in this context.