[Level of total and ionized magnesium fraction based on biochemical analysis of blood and hair and effect of supplemented magnesium (Slow Mag B6) on selected parameters in hypertension of patients treated with various groups of drugs].

The aim of this work was to determine the concentration of total and ionized magnesium in hair and blood of patients with primary hypertension and the influence of oral magnesium supplementation (Slow-Mag B6) on clinical parameters and blood pressure values. 92 patients were recruited from the Family Care Unit, Pomeranian Academy of Medicine in Szczecin. Each patient was treated during at least 6 months preceding the study with a single antihypertensive agent from one of the following groups: ACE inhibitors, beta-receptor inhibitors, Ca channel blockers, diuretics. The control group included patients with hypertension not treated pharmacologically. Changes in ionized magnesium concentration before and after oral magnesium supplementation were studied in relation to total cholesterol, triglycerides, and other parameters of importance in hypertension. Significantly lower total magnesium concentrations were demonstrated in hair of patients receiving ACE inhibitors and diuretics in comparison to controls. Ionized magnesium concentrations in serum of hypertensive patients were significantly reduced as compared with controls. A highly significant increase in these levels was noted after magnesium supplementation. Blood pressure values after magnesium supplementation were reduced in the study group by an average of 15-20 mmHg for systolic and 5-9 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. Correlations between ionized magnesium and triglyceride concentrations in patients treated with Ca channel blockers before oral Mg supplementation were found. Patients treated with diuretics demonstrated correlations between total magnesium and total cholesterol concentrations. Following oral magnesium supplementation with Slow-Mag B6 at 320 mg/day, the frequency of complaints reported by patients, including irregular heart beat, pricking heart pain, nervousness, sleep disorders, irritability/tearfulness was reduced. There was no effect on other complaints, such as mental and physical fatigue, constipation/diarrhea, and anxiety.