Magnesium & High Blood Pressure / Hypertension

There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary. It has been said that there is no single cause for primary hypertension while secondary hypertension always arises as a consequence of another disease. Causes of primary hypertension that are often cited include: family history, high cholesterol, obesity, diet, smoking, stress and excessive salt intake. Conversely, the one very significant cause -magnesium deficiency- is overlooked.[1]

  1. Magnesium keeps blood vessels relaxed and in dilated conditions as necessary, consequently maintaining normal blood pressure levels.[2]

  2. ‘Magnesium prevents muscle spasms of the peripheral blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure.’[3]

  3. By lowering hypertension and normalizing blood pressure levels, Magnesium lowers the risk of pre-eclampsia. [4]

Note: When mineral (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, etc) content is balanced, BP is normal. However, today’s diet is typically imbalanced: low in magnesium and potassium, and high in sodium.
[1] Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., ‘The Magnesium Miracle’,  (New York: Ballantine Books, 2007) pp. 93
[2] Mildred S. Seeling and Andrea Rosanoff, ‘The Magnesium Factor’, (New York: Avery Books, 2003) p.52
[3] Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., ‘The Magnesium Miracle’,  (New York: Ballantine Books, 2007) pp. 99
[4] Abnormal condition in pregnancy that consists of hypertension arising, in addition to water retention and increased levels of protein in the urine.  If left untreated, it can lead to eclampsia which is characterized by convulsions and seizures.