How does Magnesium help Heart rhythm?
Someone I know well has been treated by a Cardiologist for atrial fibrillation, one of the more common heart rhythm issues. What was interesting that the Cardiologist recommended a high-grade magnesium supplement along with prescribed medications.
One paper (European Heart Journal, 2017) stated: “As such, magnesium plays an integral role in a variety of functions related to cardiovascular disorders. Reduced dietary intake of magnesium has been linked with a higher risk of hypertension, atrial fibrillation (AF), ischaemic heart disease, and new-onset heart failure and heart failure-related hospitalization. Similarly, a low serum magnesium level is associated with up to a 50% higher incidence of new AF, left ventricular hypertrophy, and is an important predictor of sudden cardiovascular death and overall mortality.”
Perhaps my friends Cardiologist is aware of this and similar studies. The American Association for Thoracic Surgery and the European Society of Cardiology now incorporate magnesium therapy into treatment and management of some heart arrythmias.
As an electrolyte, magnesium has a critical role in maintaining normal electrical function in heart muscle. One study showed that patients receiving supplemental magnesium were 3 times more likely to get their heart rate below 100bpm than those on a placebo.
This central role of magnesium in heart muscle is because it regulates energy needed for other electrolytes, notably calcium, potassium and sodium. If magnesium is low, these electrolytes become imbalanced and can start processes that affect heart rhythm.
I use magnesium supplementation in two ways. Firstly, I add it to my multi-mineral/vitamin/antioxidant complex. The levels in this are sufficient for a healthy person. However, for those with arrythmia we need to add therapeutic levels. For this I have combined 3 bioavailable forms of magnesium (natural marine, glycinate and citrate) in one supplement. I then allow a dosage range of between 1-4 capsules daily to meet individual needs.
John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. If you have questions or need help you can contact John 0800 423559. You can email John at john@abundant.co.nz.
Please note that the health advice given through this column is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem. © John Arts 2023