Serum Magnesium and Plasma Sodium Levels in Essential Vascular Hypertension

Abstract
The mean serum magnesium concentration in 26 uncomplicated hypertensive patients was found to be significantly lower than that in 43 normal individuals. The mean plasma sodium concentration in these patients was significantly higher than that in a normal group. The mean plasma potassium levels were not significantly different. It is suggested that a possible explanation for these electrolyte changes is excessive adrenal cortical activity.