[Mononuclear magnesium in elderly hypertensive patients treated with thiazide].
PURPOSE: To study mononuclear magnesium and serum cations (Na, K and Mg) in elderly hypertensive patients treated with hydrochlorothiazide during 90 days. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 15 elderly hypertensive patients treated with hydrochlorothiazide, 25 mg/day or placebo. A method of freezing produced total lysis of the cells; Mg was measured by atomic spectrophotometry. RESULTS: No differences were noted in mononuclear or serum magnesium in the thiazide or placebo treated patients, and the diuretic produced significant decreases in supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Magnesium supplementation does not seem essential in most patients in this conditions.