Role of magnesium in heart diseases among elderly.

Abstract

Magnesium constitutes fourth most abundant cation in human body. It plays important role in the electrical stability of the conduction system of the heart. Measure of total serum magnesium correlates with ionized and intracellular levels of magnesium in human cells. Both low and high levels of magnesium are associated with cardiac disorders especially in older people. The hypomagnesemia contributes to atherosclerosis which in turn is a risk factor for Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The magnesium in diet is often not sufficient to meet the daily needs in older people hence they are prone for developing complication of cardiovascular events. This review relooks at the role of magnesium in causing cardiovascular diseases and its complications.