Magnesium depletion score is associated with arterial stiffness: data from the Brisighella Heart Study

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.