Magnesium role in cardiovascular diseases

Ann Univ Mariae Curie Sklodowska Med. 2004;59(2):108-13.

Abstract

Magnesium is one of the four major cations in the human body and the second most abundant within the cell. Observational studies have shown the fundamental role of magnesium in treatment of different cardiovascular disorders, connected with magnesium deficiency. As co-factor of many enzymes, especially those involved in phosphate transfer, it plays a role in regulation of intracellular reactions in the organism. By influence on sodium pump and calcium pump, it regulates flowing of Na+, Ca2+, K+ ions through channels in cell membrane and therefore: decreases lack of K+ ions, protects the cell from Ca2+ ions overloading, inhibits sodium influx into the cell, equalizes pH of cell by maintaining the correct level of acidosis, increases bioelectrical potential and supplies energy for calcium pump and sodium pump. Moreover, magnesium controls the level of triglycerides (rebuilds integration of cell membrane), attends in local autonomic control of circulation, which helps to maintain the balance of peripheral movement, corrects activity of conduction and stimulogenic system of the heart. Still carried out intensive research into the influence of magnesium on the human organism function may show unknown so far aspects of this element action on the cardiovascular system.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Pressure
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Cholesterol, HDL / blood
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Magnesium / physiology*
  • Potassium / metabolism
  • Sodium / metabolism

Substances

  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Sodium
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Calcium