Magnesium helps to keep blood pressure under control. It dilates the blood vessels, explains cardiologist Prof. Martin Halle from the Technical University of Munich.
Hardly any other ailment has earned the term widespread disease as much as high blood pressure, called hypertension in technical jargon. According to expert estimates, at least about 20 million German citizens suffer from this. Many don't even know about their problem. However, there are also a number of sufferers who underestimate the dangers of high blood pressure – especially if their values, according to the RKI, are supposedly only slightly above 130 to 139 mmHg.
| Everyday name: | Hypertension |
|---|---|
| Jargon: | Hypertension |
| Threshold for high blood pressure (hypertension): | 140/90mmHg |
| Risk factors: | lack of exercise, obesity, unhealthy diet, stress and increased alcohol consumption |
| Source: RKI |
High blood pressure is dangerous from hypertension of the first degree
Up to this limit, experts speak of a "high normal" blood pressure, all measurement results above it are classified with hypertension in three different degrees of severity. The big problem is that even first-degree hypertension can be extremely dangerous, warns Munich preventive physician Professor Martin Halle of the Technical University of Munich. "Time and again, I see patients who, for example, have an untreated blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg. Some people say to me: Mei, this little transgression won't be so bad. False! Such values alone cause a significantly increased risk of vascular damage – with potentially life-threatening diseases such as stroke or heart attack."
Preventive physician and cardiologist: Professor Martin Halle from the Klinikum rechts der Isar of the Technical University of Munich. © Markus Götzfried
Cardiologist Professor Martin Halle explains: "Magnesium helps to make blood vessels supple"
Conversely, however, there is also encouraging news, especially at comparatively low elevated values: In many cases, mild hypertension can already be brought under control by intelligent lifestyle changes. In addition to regular exercise, this includes, above all, blood pressure control through a healthy diet. "If you turn these important screws in everyday life, you can achieve a lot," says Prof. Halle and advises a clever lifestyle strategy against high blood pressure.
For example, a lot of vegetables should be on the plate - preferably those that have a high magnesium content. "Magnesium is nature's miracle cure," says Professor Halle, explaining the medical background: "Normally, electrolytes, especially calcium, are responsible for causing muscles to contract. Magnesium is, so to speak, an antagonist of this process, it contributes to the relaxation of the muscles. That's why, for example, many athletes take it after hard training or with severe muscle soreness. There are also muscles in the vessel walls, which are made supple by the magnesium."
During pregnancy, magnesium often helps with preterm labor
Incidentally, magnesium is also used in pregnant women as a natural means of muscle relaxation and lowering blood pressure. "It is administered, for example, as an infusion when labor begins prematurely. Magnesium then helps the uterus to relax again and the contractions to subside." For gastrointestinal complaints, magnesium is a remedy for constipation.
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Too much magnesium can cause diarrhea
However, if you consume too much magnesium, you may have to sprint to the toilet more often. Because it can sometimes cause severe diarrhea. On the other hand, in the vast majority of cases, such diarrhoea also contributes to the fact that there is far too much magnesium in the body because it is excreted with urine and with the (then often watery) stool. An extreme overdose can lead to muscle weakness and also a drop in blood pressure. However, this is extremely rare, especially in patients with high blood pressure.
Professor Halle advises: Enjoy vegetables with a high magnesium content such as broccoli, beans and peas
In this respect, Prof. Halle advises to enjoy magnesium-containing foods often. These include, for example, broccoli, peas, beans, bananas, raspberries and Emmental cheese. Larger amounts of magnesium are also found in oatmeal and whole wheat flour. Cashew nuts, dark chocolate and peanuts contain a particularly high amount of magnesium.
However, these calorie bombs not only drive up magnesium levels, but also weight – which in turn is rather bad for blood pressure. Many types of mineral water provide magnesium without any fattening effect. Prof. Halle's tip: "Water is the best thirst quencher and much healthier than soft drinks – even soft drinks with sweeteners. Look for a variety with a high magnesium content."
Even with comparatively mild hypertension: Do not replace blood pressure medication with magnesium!
Stress ECG with blood pressure measurement: Professor Martin Halle (left) during the check-up of a patient. © Markus Götzfried
Magnesium is also available as a dietary supplement, effervescent tablets are particularly popular. The recommended daily requirement of an adult is about 300 to 350 milligrams. Severe side effects usually occur in healthy people only from about 2500 mg above the daily requirement. Nevertheless, Prof. Halle warns against swallowing dietary supplements rampantly.
Even with mild high blood pressure, no unauthorized change of the tablets
An absolute no-go is also to change blood pressure medication without consulting the doctor. "Even with mild hypertension, it is not a good idea to simply replace the funds with magnesium. High blood pressure is a serious illness and the correct intake of the prescribed medication is a key to the success of treatment," warns cardiologist Prof. Halle, who has been head of the Center for Prevention, Sports Medicine and Sports Cardiology at the Klinikum rechts der Isar for 20 years.
The TUM professor conducts numerous top-class scientific studies, including on the health effects of equipment training in retirement homes. Experts recently discussed how seniors benefit from the bestform exercise program at a symposium in Munich's Uptown Tower.
Close cooperation with other Munich heart specialists
As Medical Director of the TUM Preventive Medicine Department, Halle also works with other heart specialists at the Klinikum rechts der Isar and the German Heart Center. Many patients are treated in both centers, which are to merge under the umbrella of the TUM Klinikum in the future. At the German Heart Center, a baton change in cardiac surgery is scheduled for the summer. There, Professor Markus Krane will take over as Head of Cardiac Surgery. Among other things, he plans to expand the use of robotics.
