Serum and erythrocyte magnesium levels in hypertensives and their first degree relatives.

ABSTRACT

Essential hypertension is an arbitrarily defined disorder to which both genetic and environmental factors contribute. Magnesium and its interactions with other cations may play an important role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Various studies have been carried out on the levels of serum and erythrocyte magnesium in hypertensives and the results are controversial and there is no systematic study in Indian population. In the present study serum and erythrocyte magnesium levels in 86 hypertensives and their 77 first degree relatives as well as in sex and age matched controls were studied. Serum and erythrocyte magnesium levels showed a significant decrease both in the hypertensives and their first degree relatives (p < 0.01). The significantly decreased levels of magnesium in the first degree relatives suggest genetic basis of essential hypertension and may be used as marker to identify those at risk.