We explored how magnesium supplementation affects mortality rates in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a subset of heart failure where treatment options are limited. The study analyzed data from the MIMIC-IV database, focusing on patients from 2008 to 2019. Using a technique called propensity score matching, we aimed to create a balanced comparison between those who received magnesium supplements and those who did not.
Our primary focus was on the 28-day all-cause mortality rate, along with secondary analyses of ICU stays, one-year mortality, and overall hospitalization duration. In total, we evaluated 1,970 patients, splitting them evenly between the magnesium and non-magnesium groups. The outcomes were striking: magnesium intake was associated with a significant reduction in mortality within the first 28 days, particularly benefiting older adults, women, and individuals with hypertension.
While magnesium supplementation showed promise in reducing mortality and also improved longer-term outcomes, we noted that it was linked to longer stays in both ICU and hospital settings. Interestingly, we found that blood urea nitrogen levels may play a role in mediating the relationship between magnesium intake and mortality, suggesting a more complex interaction at play.
This research highlights the potential of magnesium as a valuable treatment for those grappling with HFpEF, especially certain at-risk groups. As we consider these findings, further research is needed to explore magnesium's effects more thoroughly and understand its full implications for patient care.