The buildup of arterial plaque is a primary contributor to cardiovascular disease, leading to interest in the role of minerals like magnesium. To evaluate claims about its effectiveness, it is important to first understand what arterial plaque is and how it forms.
The Formation of Arterial Plaque
The development of arterial plaque, or atherosclerosis, is a slow process that often begins in childhood. It starts with damage to the inner lining of an artery, the endothelium. This injury can be caused by factors like high blood pressure, smoking, or high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
In response to the damage, the body begins an inflammatory process where immune cells gather at the site. Over time, these cells, along with fats, cholesterol, cellular waste, and a clotting agent called fibrin, accumulate in the artery wall. This collection of substances forms a deposit known as a plaque.
As plaque grows, it causes the artery walls to thicken, stiffen, and narrow. Eventually, calcium is deposited into the plaque, contributing to “hardening of the arteries.” If a plaque ruptures, it can trigger a blood clot that may block blood flow, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Magnesium and Arterial Calcification
Scientific evidence shows that magnesium cannot dissolve existing arterial plaque, which is a complex mixture of fats, cellular debris, and fibrous tissue. However, research has identified an important role for magnesium in slowing a part of the plaque development process: calcification.
Magnesium acts as a natural calcium regulator, helping prevent calcium from being deposited into soft tissues like artery walls. It may inhibit the formation of calcium phosphate crystals, a primary component of the mineral deposits that harden plaques. This interference slows the process that makes plaque hard and stable.
This mineral also influences vascular smooth muscle cells, which are involved in calcification. Magnesium can help prevent these cells from transforming into bone-like cells, a change that contributes to the mineralization of arteries. One study found that for every 50-milligram per day increase in magnesium intake, there was a 22% decrease in coronary artery calcification.
Magnesium’s Wider Cardiovascular Influence
Beyond its influence on calcification, magnesium contributes to cardiovascular health in other ways. It helps regulate blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscle cells in blood vessel walls, a process called vasodilation. This widening of the vessels lowers resistance, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing blood pressure.
The mineral also has anti-inflammatory properties. Because atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease, reducing chronic inflammation can help address a root cause of plaque formation. Studies show that magnesium deficiency is linked to increased inflammatory markers, while adequate intake is associated with reduced inflammation.
Magnesium is also involved in maintaining a normal heart rhythm. As an electrolyte, it works with minerals like calcium and potassium to conduct electrical signals in the heart muscle that govern contractions. Sufficient magnesium helps ensure the heart beats steadily by helping to maintain this electrical balance.
Established Medical Management of Arterial Plaque
For individuals with atherosclerosis, established medical treatments are the standard of care and are not replaced by mineral supplementation. The primary approach begins with lifestyle modifications, including adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical exercise, and quitting smoking.
Medications are a component of managing arterial plaque. Statins are commonly prescribed to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a driver of plaque buildup. By reducing LDL cholesterol, statins can slow or modestly reverse plaque accumulation. Other medications, like aspirin, may be used to prevent blood clots.
In cases of severe narrowing, direct interventions may be necessary. Angioplasty uses a small balloon to push plaque against the artery wall and widen the vessel, and a stent is often left to keep it open. For extensive blockages, coronary artery bypass surgery creates a new path for blood flow using a healthy vessel from elsewhere in the body.