A higher Magnesium Depletion Score was independently associated with increased arterial stiffness, specifically augmentation index (β=0.087, P=0.011) and pulse wave velocity (β=0.131, P=0.013).
Observational (n=2,048)
Is a higher magnesium depletion score associated with increased arterial stiffness in a rural Mediterranean population?
A higher magnesium depletion score is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness, suggesting that magnesium imbalance may negatively affect vascular health.
Effect estimate: β 0.087 (AIx), β 0.131 (cfPWV)
p-value: p=0.011 (AIx), 0.013 (cfPWV)
Background and 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 2048 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. Multiple regression models adjusted for age and mean arterial pressure included sex, smoking, physical activity, BMI, heart rate, fasting glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, serum uric acid, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and MDS. Results: An MDS at least 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). MDS remained an independent predictor of AIx ( β = 0.087, P = 0.011) and cfPWV ( β = 0.131, P = 0.013) after adjustment. Conclusion: Higher MDS values correlate with greater arterial stiffness, suggesting that magnesium imbalance may negatively affect vascular health.
Fogacci et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Arterial stiffness (n=2,048). Magnesium depletion score (MDS) was evaluated on Arterial stiffness parameters (augmentation index [AIx] and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity [cfPWV]) (β 0.087 (AIx), β 0.131 (cfPWV), p=0.011 (AIx), 0.013 (cfPWV)). A higher Magnesium Depletion Score was independently associated with increased arterial stiffness, specifically augmentation index (β=0.087, P=0.011) and pulse wave velocity (β=0.131, P=0.013).