Many people who have chronic disease or take prescription medications also take a magnesium supplement. It is very rare for someone who is healthy and capable of eating a balanced diet to incur a deficiency of this nutrient. Not having enough magnesium can affect the heart, but this is a symptom of advanced deficiency. If you suspect you need magnesium, talk it over with your doctor to be sure you are supplementing safely.
Role of Magnesium
The mineral magnesium works with other nutrients to keep the body healthy. According to MedlinePlus, magnesium assists the function of muscles and enzymes, as well as the creation of energy and protein. A magnesium imbalance can adversely affect how the heart beats. Magnesium deficiency can cause confusion, anorexia and fatigue, or heart palpitations, muscle contractions and hallucinations if the deficiency is severe.
Patients at Risk for Deficiency
Magnesium deficiency in the general population is not common because it is readily available in the diet. However, you may be at risk for magnesium deficiency if you have Crohn's disease, difficulty absorbing nutrients or have had the intestine surgically removed, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. If you have kidney problems, diabetes or take water pills, also called diuretics, your magnesium level might be low. Finally, studies show that both alcoholism and advanced age are risk factors for this vitamin deficiency.
Magnesium and Palpitations
Heart palpitations are an advanced side effect of magnesium deficiency. According to "Oral Magnesium for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Current Clinical Perspective," low magnesium makes the cardiac muscle unstable by affecting the transport of ions across cell membranes. Magnesium plays a critical role in muscle contractions, including the heart. In the hospital, if a patient shows signs of a cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heart rate, magnesium level is one of the first diagnostic tests given.
Getting Enough Magnesium
Magnesium comes as a supplement or is consumed from the diet. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, beans, almonds, cashews and whole grains. Your doctor may prescribe a supplement for you if you have a chronic disease or take medications that affect your magnesium levels.
References
- MedlinePlus; Magnesium in Diet; Linda Vorvick, M.D.; March 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute; Magnesium; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; August 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Magnesium; June 2009
- The Magnesium Report; Oral Magnesium for Cardiac Arrhythmias: Current Clinical Perspective; Ezra A. Amsterdam, M.D.; December 1999
