Epidemiological studies on the role of sodium,potassium,calcium and magnesium in blood pressure regulation

To present data on the possible role of several cations as determinants of the blood pressure level in the population,we performed several large epidemiological studies during which sodium, potassium,calcium,either urinary or seric,and magnesium has been measured together with blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors.Results showed that the relationship between cations and blood pressure is complex.In countries with a high sodium intake of more than 200 mmol/24h a significant positive relationship is found between the Na intake and the urinary 24h Na/K ratio and blood pressure and a significant negative relationship with K intake.Such a positive relationship,however,can no longer be demonstrated in Western countries.The serum calcium level correlates positively with blood pressure,but the level is influenced by the level of Na and K intake and correlates negatively with the 24h urinary Na/K ratio.The relationship between 24h urinary calcium and magnesium and blood pressure is also complex and varying results have been obtained in different populations.The 24h urinary magnesium correlates negatively with blood pressure in a Western population but not in China.