Final answer:
Magnesium sulfate is used to treat severe hypertension in pregnancy due to its calcium antagonism properties, which promote vasodilation and lower blood pressure. Magnesium deficiency is correlated with hypertension, so magnesium supplementation helps alleviate this condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Magnesium sulfate is used in the management of severe hypertension in pregnancy, often in cases of preeclampsia or eclampsia. Magnesium has properties that aid in vasodilation, or relaxing the walls of the blood vessels, which helps to reduce blood pressure. Through a process known as calcium antagonism, magnesium interferes with calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to their relaxation and a subsequent decrease in blood pressure.
Additionally, magnesium deficiency is associated with higher rates of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, intimal thickening, and inflammation, all of which can contribute to hypertension. By supplementing with magnesium sulfate, these detrimental effects can be mitigated. Magnesium sulfate has been shown to inhibit contractions of the vascular smooth muscle cells and prevent seizures associated with eclampsia.
The administration of magnesium sulfate for severe hypertension during pregnancy can not only help in blood pressure control but also reduce the likelihood of seizures and other complications associated with high blood pressure in this condition.