EFFECT OF DIETARY CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM ON OCCURRENCE OF CAD: ANALYSIS IN COMMUNITY OF ISLAMABAD

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate potential association between serum and dietary CaandMglevels, with different risk factors and occurrence of CAD. Methodology: It was a hospital based, case control study, conducted inCardiology Department of Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital, Islamabadfrom 1st March 2013 to 30th September 2013. Study subjects were givenspecially designed FFQs and asked to bring drinking water samples for mineralanalysis. Serum Ca and Mg levels were checked and daily intake of minerals wascalculated, using USDA food composition table. Analysis was done using SPSSversion 11. All participants were included after formal informed consent. Results: A total of 600 individuals were studied, 280 cases of CAD and 320 withno history of CAD constituted the control group. About 69 % of cases and 53% ofcontrols had low dietary Mg intake, indicating an association between Mg intakeand occurrence of CAD (p = 0.000), where Ca levels showed none (p > 0.05).Hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia showed better correlation with CAD(p=0.000), smoking had relatively weak association (p=0.049). Low dietaryMg showed association with hypertension, diabetes and smoking (p<0.05). Ca levels in drinking water ranging between 04 - 22mg /L, but at places, levels wereas high as 160 mg /L, where Mg levels ranged between 8-22 mg/L, did not showmarked variation. Fisher's test was applied for statistical inference ; F value for serum and dietary Mg levels were 34.61 and 38.57 respectively, with p value of 0.000. Conclusion: Low dietary Mg may have a contributing role towards developmentof CAD