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Heart failure occurs when the heart doesn’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.Ĭurrently there are about 6.2 million adults in the U.S. 22 Thickening of the carotid artery indicates progression of atherosclerosis. In addition, the thickness of the carotid artery-a measure of unhealthy arterial thickening-rose in placebo patients but remained unchanged in magnesium- treated patients. Systolic blood pressure fell, on average, from 144 mmHg to 134 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 88 mmHg to 81 mmHg. 22Īfter six months, those taking magnesium had significantly improved endothelial function, which led to reductions in blood pressure and increased blood vessel dilation (widening). In a randomized, controlled human trial, women aged 40-65, all of whom had high blood pressure and were on diuretic therapy, took either a placebo or 600 mg of magnesium daily. In cultured human endothelial cells, magnesium deficiency activates the protein complex NF-kB (nuclear factor kappa B), a major facilitator of atherosclerosis.
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This promotes the formation of artery-blocking plaque, resulting in atherosclerosis, a narrowing of the arteries that restricts blood flow. Oral magnesium is often recommended for those with arrhythmias and low magnesium levels.Įndothelial dysfunction occurs when the cells lining the inside walls of blood vessels (the endothelium) lose normal, healthy function. 11,12įor example, intravenous (IV) magnesium is routinely used before many heart surgeries that are known to induce postoperative arrhythmias. Magnesium intake has been shown to correct low-magnesium-related arrhythmias. This association occurs even in people without cardiovascular disease.
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One large study found that people with the lowest blood magnesium levels were approximately 50% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation than those with the highest levels. This is called an ischemic stroke the term “ischemia” means “ no blood flow”. This happens when a fluttering atrial chamber in the heart causes a clot (thrombus) to form that travels up a carotid artery and blocks blood flow to a portion of the brain. 9Ītrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heartbeat, is the leading cardiac cause of strokes. 8Īrrhythmias involve abnormal conduction of the electrical impulses that govern heartbeat, causing a beat that is irregular, too fast, or too slow. People with low magnesium levels are more susceptible to developing arrhythmias, potentially fatal disorders of heart rhythm. Recent human studies confirm a strong association between low magnesium levels and higher heart disease risk. 5Īdequate magnesium is especially important for healthy and efficient function of heart muscle and blood vessels.
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7 This means that myriad bodily systems and functions depend on adequate magnesium and suffer when deficiency occurs. Magnesium is involved in critical metabolic functions. Among those above age 71, roughly 81% of men and 82% of women have inadequate dietary intake of magnesium. have inadequate dietary intake of magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral found in many foods, including leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, yogurt, and fish.īut it’s difficult to get and absorb enough from dietary sources alone.Īpproximately 64% of all men and 67% of women in the U.S.
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