[Magnesium: its significance in cardiology].

Abstract

The significance of magnesium in the etiology and treatment of diseases of the circulatory system has been investigated for several decades. Experimental, clinical and epidemiological data concerning this problem are abundant, however their findings do not let--at least so far--to draw unequivocal conclusions as to the significance of this element in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Mg++ is known to be responsible for the function of about 300 enzymes, and its deficiency results in necrosis of the cells due to depletion of energetic stores of phosphates, leads to disturbances in fat metabolism, increased aggregation and shortened survival time of platelets, increased level of factor III, disturbed synthesis of proteins (mitral valve leaflet prolapse) as well as of prostanoid function. Despite the fact that serum level of Mg++ differs from its concentration in tissues, majority of clinical studies relies on serum levels of the element. The effects of changes in serum levels of Mg++ resulting from various pathophysiological processes should be differentiated from the effects of magnesium supplementation or from administration of the element in excess for therapeutic reasons when the levels in the organism have been considered normal.

• Authors: A Mysiak
• Journal: Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego (Pol Merkur Lekarski) Vol. 6 Issue 33 Pg. 161-3 (Mar 1999) ISSN: 1426-9686 [Print] Poland
• Vernacular Title: Magnez--znaczenie w kardiologii.
• PMID: 10365604 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Magnesium

Topics

• Cardiovascular Diseases (blood, drug therapy)
• Humans
• Magnesium (blood, therapeutic use)