Unexplained Hypertension? THIS Mineral Helps Maintain Blood Pressure And It Is Not Sodium Or Potassium

It’s a silvery metal belonging among the alkaline earth metals. Biologically, it is an essential mineral that is vital for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, and is acquired from foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. It helps regulate muscle and nerve function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong. And, no – we are not talking of calcium, sodium, or potassium.The name is magnesium. Essential mineral magnesium.How can magnesium deficiency hit one’s heart, lungs and kidneys? Essential hypertension, also known as primary hypertension, is high blood pressure that develops without an identifiable cause. It is the most common type of hypertension, accounting for about 90-95% of all cases.At least in secondary hypertension, the underlying causes or conditions such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders are identifiable. But essential hypertension develops gradually due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.Apart from other risk factors for hypertension such as genetics (family history of hypertension), advancing age, obesity, stress, and insulin resistance, poor lifestyle (alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentary lifestyle) and poor diet (high in salt, low in potassium) contribute to high blood pressure.ALSO READ | US Study Says Microplastic Levels In Human Brains Growing. 5 Tips To Cut Exposure To These Tiny MonstersYou will be shocked to know that magnesium deficiency can also cause essential hypertension with no noticeable symptoms. That is why it is often called a ‘silent killer’. In a study titled ‘Role of magnesium in the pathogenesis of hypertension’, published in medical journals by the Multidisciplinary Research Group on Hypertension, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal (Canada), the researchers claim that high blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when blood vessels become thicker and less flexible, which makes it harder for blood to flow properly. They say magnesium is an important mineral in the blood because it helps control the heart’s rhythm, and the way blood vessels tighten and relax. Many studies show that lower magnesium levels are linked to higher blood pressure, suggesting that maintaining proper magnesium levels may help manage or prevent hypertension.Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi, senior consultant, nephrology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, and Dr Nischal Hegde, interventional cardiologist, Bangalore Hospitals (Jayanagar | Kengeri), spoke to ABP Live about the importance of magnesium in maintaining a healthy blood pressure given that other health parameters are intact. The two doctors shared valuable insights on how magnesium deficiency can affect kidney and heart (vascular) health. Here are excerpts from what they told us:ABP: How important is magnesium to maintain optimum blood pressure?Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi: Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, reduces vascular resistance, and regulates the renin-angiotensin system*, all of which lower blood pressure. It also balances sodium, potassium, and calcium, preventing hypertension.*The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. This complex system involves multiple organs, including the kidneys, lungs, brain, and adrenal cortex, and is connected to magnesium levels in the body. Low magnesium levels can lead to increased activation of the RAS, resulting in higher blood pressure due to the system’s role in regulating sodium and fluid balance; essentially, when magnesium is deficient, the body may compensate by activating the RAS to retain more sodium, which can elevate blood pressure; this is why magnesium supplementation is sometimes used to manage hypertension.ALSO READ | Exposure To Heavy Metals A Risk Factor For Glaucoma? Indian Doctors Weigh In On China StudyDr Nischal Hegde: Magnesium plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure by helping blood vessels relax and maintaining vascular tone. Adequate magnesium intake can lower blood pressure, especially in individuals with hypertension. Studies show that daily magnesium supplementation can lead to small but significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. ABP: What symptoms are red flags that a person may have magnesium deficiency?Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi: The following symptoms will manifest themselves if a patient has magnesium deficiency. But the final diagnosis will rest on corroborating all the data related to the patient’s health parameters. Muscle cramps, spasms, or tremorsNumbness, tingling, or weaknessHeart palpitations, arrhythmiasAnxiety, depression, brain fogConstipation, nausea, loss of appetiteSevere cases: seizures, tetany, or personality changesDr Nischal Hegde: Signs of magnesium deficiency include muscle cramps, twitching, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. As deficiency worsens, symptoms may progress to numbness, tingling, abnormal heart rhythms, and personality changes. Severe cases can lead to seizures and cardiac complications. Since magnesium is crucial for nerve and muscle function, energy production, and heart health, even mild deficiencies can impact overall well-being. If these symptoms persist, medical consultation is recommended to help identify and address potential deficiencies.ABP: What health conditions or diseases may cause magnesium deficiency?Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi: There could be several reasons why a patient may be deficient in magnesium. They can range from any of those mentioned below:Kidney issues: Chronic Kidney Disease, diabetes, diureticsGI disorders: Crohn’s, IBS, chronic diarrhoeaEndocrine issues: Hyperaldosteronism, alcoholismMedications: PPIs, aminoglycosides, chemotherapy drugsDr Nischal Hegde: Several conditions can lead to magnesium deficiency, including gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and chronic diarrhoea, which impair absorption. Type 2 diabetes can increase magnesium loss through urine, while kidney disorders can prevent proper magnesium reabsorption. Chronic alcoholism, poor dietary intake, and certain medications, such as diuretics and proton pump inhibitors, can also contribute to deficiency. People with these conditions should monitor their magnesium levels and adjust their diet or supplementation accordingly to prevent complications.ABP: How much damage can magnesium deficiency cause? Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi: Undiagnosed and untreated magnesium deficiency can cause several health maladies. It can affect several metabolic activities, organs, organ systems, etc. Here are some of the severe fallouts of untreated magnesium deficiencies:Arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrestNeurological issues: seizures, weaknessOsteoporosis, fracturesInsulin resistance, increased diabetes riskWorsened hypertension, higher stroke riskDr Nischal Hegde: Magnesium deficiency affects multiple body systems, leading to muscle spasms, tremors, and seizures. It can contribute to abnormal heart rhythms, increasing the risk of hypertension and even cardiac arrest. Chronic deficiency weakens bones, raising the risk of osteoporosis. Neurological effects include migraines, mood disturbances, and heightened stress levels. Since magnesium supports over 300 enzymatic functions in the body, its deficiency can have serious long-term consequences, emphasising the need for adequate intake through diet or supplements.ABP: What foods are prescribed to level-up low magnesium levels?Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi: Apart from clinical treatment and medicines, a patient can be advised to include in their diet the correct amount of the following foods:Leafy greens: Spinach, kaleNuts & seeds: Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seedsWhole grains: Brown rice, quinoaLegumes: Black beans, lentilsFruits: Bananas, avocadosOthers: Dark chocolate, salmon, tofuFor Chronic Kidney Disease patients: Magnesium intake should be monitored to avoid complications.Dr Nischal Hegde: To increase magnesium levels, consume magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains, and fatty fish. These foods help prevent deficiency and support overall health. Incorporating a balanced diet with these nutrient-dense foods can effectively maintain optimal magnesium levels, ensuring proper muscle, nerve, and cardiovascular function.ALSO READ | Tired Of Being Told To Eat Less Salt? WHO Issues Guidelines On Alternatives That Won’t Raise BP, CVD RiskManagement And Treatment Of HypertensionThere are some things you can incorporate in your life under the advice of your doctor:Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet (DASH diet), regular exercise, stress management, reduced salt intake, quitting smokingMedications: If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe antihypertensive drugs like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, or calcium channel blockers. Never self-medicate or self-prescribe. Always follow only an authorised medical practitioner’s advice.Regular blood pressure monitoring and early intervention can help prevent complications. The writer is a senior independent journalist.Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern.

It’s a silvery metal belonging among the alkaline earth metals. Biologically, it is an essential mineral that is vital for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, and is acquired from foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. It helps regulate muscle and nerve function, supports a healthy immune system, keeps the heartbeat steady, and helps bones remain strong.

And, no – we are not talking of calcium, sodium, or potassium. The name is magnesium. Essential mineral magnesium.

How can magnesium deficiency hit one’s heart, lungs and kidneys? Essential hypertension, also known as primary hypertension, is high blood pressure that develops without an identifiable cause. It is the most common type of hypertension, accounting for about 90-95% of all cases. At least in secondary hypertension, the underlying causes or conditions such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders are identifiable.

But essential hypertension develops gradually due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Apart from other risk factors for hypertension such as genetics (family history of hypertension), advancing age, obesity, stress, and insulin resistance, poor lifestyle (alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentary lifestyle) and poor diet (high in salt, low in potassium) contribute to high blood pressure. ALSO READ | US Study Says Microplastic Levels In Human Brains Growing.

5 Tips To Cut Exposure To These Tiny Monsters You will be shocked to know that magnesium deficiency can also cause essential hypertension with no noticeable symptoms. That is why it is often called a ‘silent killer’. In a study titled ‘Role of magnesium in the pathogenesis of hypertension’, published in medical journals by the Multidisciplinary Research Group on Hypertension, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal (Canada), the researchers claim that high blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when blood vessels become thicker and less flexible, which makes it harder for blood to flow properly.

They say magnesium is an important mineral in the blood because it helps control the heart’s rhythm, and the way blood vessels tighten and relax. Many studies show that lower magnesium levels are linked to higher blood pressure, suggesting that maintaining proper magnesium levels may help manage or prevent hypertension. Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi, senior consultant, nephrology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, and Dr Nischal Hegde, interventional cardiologist, Bangalore Hospitals (Jayanagar | Kengeri), spoke to ABP Live about the importance of magnesium in maintaining a healthy blood pressure given that other health parameters are intact.

The two doctors shared valuable insights on how magnesium deficiency can affect kidney and heart (vascular) health. Here are excerpts from what they told us: ABP: How important is magnesium to maintain optimum blood pressure? Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi: Magnesium helps relax blood vessels, reduces vascular resistance, and regulates the renin-angiotensin system*, all of which lower blood pressure. It also balances sodium, potassium, and calcium, preventing hypertension.

* The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a hormonal system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. This complex system involves multiple organs, including the kidneys, lungs, brain, and adrenal cortex, and is connected to magnesium levels in the body. Low magnesium levels can lead to increased activation of the RAS, resulting in higher blood pressure due to the system’s role in regulating sodium and fluid balance; essentially, when magnesium is deficient, the body may compensate by activating the RAS to retain more sodium, which can elevate blood pressure; this is why magnesium supplementation is sometimes used to manage hypertension.

ALSO READ | Exposure To Heavy Metals A Risk Factor For Glaucoma? Indian Doctors Weigh In On China Study Dr Nischal Hegde: Magnesium plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure by helping blood vessels relax and maintaining vascular tone. Adequate magnesium intake can lower blood pressure, especially in individuals with hypertension. Studies show that daily magnesium supplementation can lead to small but significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

ABP: What symptoms are red flags that a person may have magnesium deficiency? Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi: The following symptoms will manifest themselves if a patient has magnesium deficiency. But the final diagnosis will rest on corroborating all the data related to the patient’s health parameters. Muscle cramps, spasms, or tremors Numbness, tingling, or weakness Heart palpitations, arrhythmias Anxiety, depression, brain fog Constipation, nausea, loss of appetite Severe cases: seizures, tetany, or personality changes Dr Nischal Hegde: Signs of magnesium deficiency include muscle cramps, twitching, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

As deficiency worsens, symptoms may progress to numbness, tingling, abnormal heart rhythms, and personality changes. Severe cases can lead to seizures and cardiac complications. Since magnesium is crucial for nerve and muscle function, energy production, and heart health, even mild deficiencies can impact overall well-being.

If these symptoms persist, medical consultation is recommended to help identify and address potential deficiencies. ABP: What health conditions or diseases may cause magnesium deficiency? Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi: There could be several reasons why a patient may be deficient in magnesium. They can range from any of those mentioned below: Kidney issues: Chronic Kidney Disease, diabetes, diuretics GI disorders: Crohn’s, IBS, chronic diarrhoea Endocrine issues: Hyperaldosteronism, alcoholism Medications: PPIs, aminoglycosides, chemotherapy drugs Dr Nischal Hegde: Several conditions can lead to magnesium deficiency, including gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and chronic diarrhoea, which impair absorption.

Type 2 diabetes can increase magnesium loss through urine, while kidney disorders can prevent proper magnesium reabsorption. Chronic alcoholism, poor dietary intake, and certain medications, such as diuretics and proton pump inhibitors, can also contribute to deficiency. People with these conditions should monitor their magnesium levels and adjust their diet or supplementation accordingly to prevent complications.

ABP: How much damage can magnesium deficiency cause? Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi: Undiagnosed and untreated magnesium deficiency can cause several health maladies. It can affect several metabolic activities, organs, organ systems, etc. Here are some of the severe fallouts of untreated magnesium deficiencies: Arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest Neurological issues: seizures, weakness Osteoporosis, fractures Insulin resistance, increased diabetes risk Worsened hypertension, higher stroke risk Dr Nischal Hegde: Magnesium deficiency affects multiple body systems, leading to muscle spasms, tremors, and seizures.

It can contribute to abnormal heart rhythms, increasing the risk of hypertension and even cardiac arrest. Chronic deficiency weakens bones, raising the risk of osteoporosis. Neurological effects include migraines, mood disturbances, and heightened stress levels.

Since magnesium supports over 300 enzymatic functions in the body, its deficiency can have serious long-term consequences, emphasising the need for adequate intake through diet or supplements. ABP: What foods are prescribed to level-up low magnesium levels? Dr Kunal Raj Gandhi: Apart from clinical treatment and medicines, a patient can be advised to include in their diet the correct amount of the following foods: Leafy greens: Spinach, kale Nuts & seeds: Almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds Whole grains: Brown rice, quinoa Legumes: Black beans, lentils Fruits: Bananas, avocados Others: Dark chocolate, salmon, tofu For Chronic Kidney Disease patients: Magnesium intake should be monitored to avoid complications. Dr Nischal Hegde: To increase magnesium levels, consume magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts and seeds, legumes, whole grains, and fatty fish.

These foods help prevent deficiency and support overall health. Incorporating a balanced diet with these nutrient-dense foods can effectively maintain optimal magnesium levels, ensuring proper muscle, nerve, and cardiovascular function. ALSO READ | Tired Of Being Told To Eat Less Salt? WHO Issues Guidelines On Alternatives That Won’t Raise BP, CVD Risk Management And Treatment Of Hypertension There are some things you can incorporate in your life under the advice of your doctor: Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet (DASH diet), regular exercise, stress management, reduced salt intake, quitting smoking Medications: If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe antihypertensive drugs like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, or calcium channel blockers.

Never self-medicate or self-prescribe. Always follow only an authorised medical practitioner’s advice. Regular blood pressure monitoring and early intervention can help prevent complications.

The writer is a senior independent journalist. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern.

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