Assessment of Serum Magnesium Level in Ischemic Stroke

Background: Stroke is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Magnesium (Mg²⁺) plays an important neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blockade, calcium channel antagonism, and reduction of excitotoxic neuronal injury. Low serum magnesium levels may contribute to the development and progression of ischemic stroke. Aim: To assess serum magnesium levels in patients with ischemic stroke and determine their association with demographic and clinical risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 120 adult patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Data regarding age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking status, and serum magnesium levels were collected and analyzed. Hypomagnesemia was identified according to standard laboratory reference values. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among the 120 patients enrolled, 66% were older than 60 years. Hypomagnesemia was detected in 40 patients (33.3%). Most hypomagnesemic patients were older than 60 years, indicating a significant association between increasing age and low serum magnesium levels. A slight male predominance was observed among hypomagnesemic patients (56% vs. 44% females). Hypertension was present in 100 patients (83.3%) and showed a significant association with hypomagnesemia (p=0.044). Diabetes mellitus was reported in 91 patients (75.8%), and 60% of hypomagnesemic patients were diabetic, with a significant relationship between diabetes and low serum magnesium levels (p=0.005). Smoking was reported in 46 patients (38.3%), but no significant association was found with hypomagnesemia. Conclusion: Low serum magnesium is common among patients with ischemic stroke and is significantly associated with advanced age, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, suggesting its potential role as a risk factor for ischemic stroke.