Low serum magnesium concentrations predict increase in left ventricular mass over 5 years independently of common cardiovascular risk factors

ObjectiveLeft ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a significant predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. Experimental studies suggest a pathophysiological role of magnesium (Mg2+) in the development of arterial hypertension and LVH.MethodsIn subjects with complete echocardiographic data from the population-based longitudinal “Study of Health in Pomerania” (n = 1 348), the difference in left ventricular mass (LVM) over 5 years (echocardiography) was analyzed in relationship to serum Mg2+ at baseline.ResultsMg2+ at baseline (0.790 ± 0.003 mmol/l, mean ± SEM) inversely correlated with the difference in LVM over 5 years (p < 0.0001, females: p < 0.002, males: p < 0.024). In the lowest Mg2+-quintile (Mg2+ <  = 0.73 mmol/l), LVM (187.4 ± 3.1 g at baseline) increased by 14.9 ± 1.2 g, while in the highest Mg2+-quintile (Mg2+ >  = 0.85 mmol/l) LVM (186.7 ± 3.4 g at baseline) decreased by −0.5 ± 2.8 g (p < 0.0001 between quintiles). By multivariable analysis including several cardiovascular risk factors and antihypertensive treatment, serum Mg2+ was associated with the increase in LVM at a statistically high significant level (p < 0.0001). LVM after 5 years was significantly higher in subjects within the lower Mg2+-quintiles. This association remained highly significant after adjustment for several cardiovascular risk factors including arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus.ConclusionsHypomagnesemia is one of the strongest predictors of gain in LVM over the following 5 years.