Claudio Borghi, Federica Fogacci, Elisa Grandi, Sergio D’addato, Arrigo F.g. Cicero, On Behalf Of The Brisighella Heart Study Group
Affiliation(s):
Hypertension And Cardiovascular Risk Research Center
Medical And Surgical Sciences Department
Alma Mater Studiorum University Of Bologna
Background & Aims: The Magnesium Depletion Score (MDS) estimates magnesium deficiency risk by integrating dietary intake and physiological losses. This study evaluated the association between MDS and arterial stiffness in a rural Mediterranean population.
Methods: We analyzed data from 2,048 participants (49.2% men, 50.8% women) in the Brisighella Heart Study. MDS and arterial stiffness parameters—Augmentation Index (AIx) and carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV)—were assessed using validated methods. Multivariable regression models adjusted for age and mean arterial pressure included sex, smoking, physical activity, BMI, heart rate, fasting glucose, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), triglycerides, serum uric acid (SUA), eGFR, and MDS.
Results: An MDS ≥2 was observed in 51.6% of participants, more often in men (p < 0.001). Higher MDS was significantly associated with increased AIx and cfPWV in both sexes (p < 0.001). In adjusted models, MDS remained independently associated with AIx (B = 0.099, 95% CI 0.023–0.144; β = 0.087, p = 0.011) and cfPWV (B = 0.116, 95% CI 0.018–0.131; β = 0.131, p = 0.013). Notably, SUA was also an independent determinant of arterial stiffness, predicting both AIx (B = 0.117, 95% CI 0.054–0.237; β = 0.108, p < 0.001) and cfPWV (B = 0.134, 95% CI 0.019–0.231; β = 0.148, p < 0.001), together with ApoB (AIx: B = 0.311, 95% CI 0.099–0.551; β = 0.211, p < 0.001; cfPWV: B = 0.172, 95% CI 0.058–0.272; β = 0.367, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Higher MDS values correlate with greater arterial stiffness, suggesting that magnesium imbalance may negatively affect vascular health. SUA shows an additional independent association with arterial stiffness, supporting the relevance of urate-related pathways in vascular ageing.