Magnesium depletion in patients on long-term chlorthalidone therapy for essential hypertension.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 2886340 · doi:10.1007/BF00543964
What was done
Sixty patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension were treated for one year with either beta-blockers alone (n = 30) or beta-blockers combined with chlorthalidone (n = 30). Investigators assessed serum potassium, serum magnesium, and magnesium status via a magnesium loading test.
What was found
The abstract reports no numeric values, effect sizes, or p-values. Beta-blockers alone did not affect serum potassium or magnesium and showed only a clinically marginal trend toward magnesium retention on the loading test. Beta-blockers plus chlorthalidone significantly reduced serum potassium and magnesium and induced significant magnesium depletion on the loading test.
Why it matters
Thiazide-like diuretic therapy with chlorthalidone can induce clinically relevant magnesium and potassium depletion, which is an important metabolic consideration when selecting antihypertensive regimens.
Limits
The abstract reports no numeric values, standard deviations, or exact p-values. Sample size is modest (n = 60), specific drug dosages and blinding procedures are not stated, and clinical cardiovascular outcomes were not evaluated.
Cited by
- supports Thiazide and loop diuretic medications for high blood pressure deplete the body of potassium and block magnesium.