Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with a heart-related event taking the life of someone every minute. Heart disease includes conditions such as angina, coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. Your diet, nutrients and supplements, such as magnesium, play a role in overall heart health. Before starting treatment with magnesium, discuss your condition with your doctor.
Magnesium
Magnesium, a mineral necessary for more than 300 body biochemical activities, is the fourth most abundant mineral found in your body, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health. Bone contains about half of your body's total magnesium and the remainder is mostly inside body tissue and organ cells. Blood contains only 1 percent of the total magnesium. Magnesium activates enzymes and contributes to energy production. In addition, it helps regulate other nutrients, such as calcium, potassium, copper, vitamin D and zinc. It helps maintain a normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels and is vital to the function of your heart, kidneys and muscles.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure occurs when your heart is unable to pump enough blood flow to the other organs and tissues in your body. Some of the causes of CHF include narrowed arteries, scar tissue from a previous heart attack, a diseased heart valve, congenital heart defects, elevated blood pressure and an infection of your heart. The pumping of your heart is inadequate to move blood throughout your body sufficiently to keep it from backing up in the veins. Congestion develops in tissues and causes swelling, most often in the lower extremities. Fluid may also collect in your lungs, which causes difficulty breathing.
Treatment
The type of treatment for CHF depends on the underlying cause. Some causes, such as a valve disorder, may be treated through surgical repair, while other disorders may be managed through medications. With proper treatment, the symptoms of CHF can be managed and your heart may become stronger. Types of medications used in CHF treatment include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, often called ACE inhibitors; ARBs, which are angiotensin II receptor blockers; beta blockers; diuretics; and aldosterone antagonists. When diuretics are used, your body loses potassium and magnesium. Close monitoring of these levels is necessary to determine if supplements are needed to support heart health.
Diet
Eating a healthy diet is important for your overall physical condition. Managing your weight by getting regular exercise and eating nutritious meals is necessary for improving your heart health, especially if you have been diagnosed with CHF. A heart-healthy diet includes foods that are a good source of magnesium, such as seeds, whole grains, legumes, green leafy vegetables, dairy products, chocolate, meats, coffee and water with high mineral content. Your doctor can do a simple blood test to see if you need a magnesium supplement in addition to your dietary consumption of magnesium.
