Magnesium and cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Mg2+ is a critically important nutrient and a useful therapeutic agent. Depletion of Mg2+ and hypomagnesemia are relatively common, are difficult to diagnose, and have been implicated in several cardiovascular disorders. In pharmacologic doses, Mg2+ is a useful anti-ischemic and antiarrhythmic agent. Perioperative use of Mg2+ is increasing,289 particularly in the setting of cardiovascular surgery, and Mg2+ continues to be a mainstay in obstetric management of preeclampsia, at least in North America. Additional experimental and outcome studies will continue to define the clinical scope of therapy with Mg2+.