Dietary Magnesium Intake Related to C-Reactive Protein in Newly Diagnosed Coronary Heart Disease Patients at Middle Zone, Gaza Strip. A Hospital Based Study

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a highly prevalent disease all over the world. Magnesium (Mg) plays a role in CHD but it is still unclear. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker which may rise in CHD. Aim of study: To assess the impact of dietary Mg intake and its level in relation to CRP among newly diagnosed CHD at middle zone of Gaza Strip. Methodology: Patients (n = 140) with confirmed CHD, 50 ± 10 years, presented in the cardiac care unit at Aqsa Martyr’s Hospital between 1 April 2012 and 30 December 2012, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study after taking consent. ECG, clinical status, and cardiac markers were used to confirm diagnosis by cardiologist. Food frequency questionnaire was used to assess Mg intake and calcium intake in addition to measurement of its level in serum. CRP latex slide was used for measurement of CRP. Results: Mg intake and serum Mg were inversely associated with risk of CHD. Mean of serum Mg among cases (1.80) was lower than controls (2.41) (P = 0.001). Percent of positive CRP was higher in cases (32.9%) than controls (12.9%) (P = 0.005). Mean of serum Mg was (1.96 ± 0.47) for positive CRP which was lower than the mean of serum Mg (2.15 ± 0.44) for negative CRP. Conclusion: Newly diagnosed patients with CHD have a positive CRP, low serum and low Mg intake, and low serum Mg was associated with elevated CRP.