Magnesium is an electrolyte used for electrostatic reactions in the muscle and heart. Magnesium is a part of hundreds of cellular reactions, including metabolism, cell signaling and chromosome structure. As with any nutrient, balance is the key for good health. Too much magnesium can lead to disorders and illnesses. Most overdose situations from magnesium occur from supplement intake, so it is important to read the labels when purchasing vitamins.
Diarrhea
Magnesium is often used in laxative supplements, so the first signs of excess magnesium in the blood is diarrhea. Diarrhea does not sound severe for most people, but the side effects of too much diarrhea is dehydration. Dehydration is especially dangerous for children, and fluids and other electrolytes are lost when diarrhea persists. Patients who believe they have too much magnesium in the blood and have diarrhea should drink plenty of fluids. Fluids with other electrolytes, such as potassium and sodium, replenish what is lost from diarrhea symptoms.
Hypotension
Hypotension is the term given to loss of blood pressure. This condition is exacerbated when a patient uses antiacids to control the diarrhea and stomach upset. The loss in blood pressure is due to the excess quantities of magnesium in heart tissue. Excess magnesium causes a condition called bradycardia. Bradycardia is the term given to a slow resting heart rate. Because the heart slows, blood is not properly pumped to tissue in the body's organs. One common side effect of hypotension is renal failure, which happens when the kidneys are unable to receive enough blood and can't remove metabolic waste products from the body.
Muscle Weakness and Fatigue
Other common symptoms of high magnesium blood levels are muscle weakness, fatigue and disorientation. Since magnesium plays a role in muscle contractions and relaxation, excess amounts cause the muscles to act erratically and they feel weak. Patients also experience disorientation and want to lie down. Slow breathing may occur due to hypotension symptoms. Patients who experience these symptoms should consult a physician.
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