Magnesium is important to the heart, this is confirmed information! As scientists prove, magnesium has a protective effect on the heart - it has a cardioprotective effect. Research on this effect indicates that this mechanism is multi-level and is the result of a broader positive effect of magnesium on the body, such as normalization of blood pressure, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet effects. Low levels of magnesium can promote endothelial cell dysfunction, potentially increasing the risk of thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Of course, in such situations, you should consult a doctor, preferably with the appropriate specialization.
Studies carried out on a large group of people have shown that the correct concentration of magnesium in the blood serum and its adequate supply in the diet are inversely related to the presence of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Review of 19 studies including the results of over 530,000 participants found that higher dietary magnesium intake was associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. This is another important aspect of the health effects of magnesium on the body. Unfortunately, with age, the effectiveness of absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract decreases, so it is worth taking care of a properly balanced menu or a good-quality supplement ensuring the highest bioavailability.
Magnesium is called the element of life because it plays a key role in the production of energy needed for muscle contraction, oxygenation of tissues, active transport of calcium and potassium ions, which are important for nerve conduction, muscle contraction and relaxation, and for normal heart rhythm. Magnesium in the body acts as a physiological calcium antagonist, thanks to which it slows down the conductivity and excitability of the heart muscle. Magnesium deficiency caused by improper diet, drinking large amounts of coffee or chronic stress can affect all of the above functions and it is worth noting that one of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency may be the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias, but there may also be other symptoms, such as:
- Hypertension
- Vascular calcification
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart failure
- Increased platelet reactivity and thrombosis
- Gröber, U .; Schmidt, J .; Kisters, K. Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy. Nutrients 2015, 7, 8199-8226.
- Qu X, Jin F, Hao Y et al. Magnesium and the risk of cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. PLoS One 2013; 8: e57720.
- DiNicolantonio JJ, O'Keefe JH, Wilson W. Subclinical magnesium deficiency: a principal driver of cardiovascular disease and a public health crisis [published correction appears in Open Heart. 2018 Apr 5; 5 (1): e000668corr1]. Open Heart. 2018; 5 (1): e000668. Published 2018 Jan 13 doi: 10.1136 / openhrt-2017-000668
