A racing or irregular heartbeat may be caused by a variety of factors. Stress, anxiety, caffeine and nicotine are potential causes. Sometimes fever or a reaction to medication produces a racing heartbeat. Hormonal changes, such as those that accompany pregnancy or menopause, may contribute. Excessive magnesium ingestion can also produce changes in heart rhythm.
Symptoms
The sensation of rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeats is known as heart palpitations. You may feel like your heart is skipping beats or pumping much harder than normally. You may experience the feeling of heart palpitations in your throat or neck, as well as your chest. Heart palpitations may occur during periods of activity or rest, regardless of your position and whether you are standing or lying down. Most often heart palpitations are harmless, but on occasion they may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Magnesium Toxicity
Too much magnesium may cause abnormal heart rhythms known as arrhythmias. An overdose from dietary sources has not been observed but excessive consumption of magnesium supplements or laxatives containing magnesium may produce these adverse side effects. If your rapid or irregular heart rate is caused by magnesium toxicity, you may experience other characteristic signs of overdose. These include diarrhea, hypotension, lethargy, confusion, deterioration of kidney function, muscle weakness and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency medical attention.
Sources
You should not take magnesium supplements unless they have been recommended by a doctor. Most people obtain sufficient amounts of the mineral through diet alone. Some types of calcium supplements include magnesium. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out if this combination is necessary. Over-the-counter laxatives and some antacids also include magnesium. If you are taking these medications, follow the dosing recommendations carefully. Adults and children over the age of 9 should limit daily magnesium intake to 350mg.
Treatment
Heart palpitations that occur infrequently and last only a few seconds do not require medical attention. If you experience frequent episodes of palpitations or if you have a history of heart disease, consult your doctor. Additional testing may be required. If your symptoms begin after taking magnesium supplements, consult your doctor. Seek emergency medical care if you experience palpitations accompanied by chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath or dizziness.
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