Magnesium: The Latest on an Ancient Remedy

pp. 515-521

Abstract

In recent years the use of magnesium has increased; substantially, not only in those clinical entities in which there is no doubt concerning its beneficial effects, but also in other cardiovascular syndromes. In order to understand its therapeutic properties, we analyzed the role of magnesium in the pathophysiology of myocardial contractile and electrical mechanisms, as well as in the process of thrombosis and platelet aggregation that occurs during acute myocardial infarction. It remains unclear whether its therapeutic effects are due to supplementation or to correction of magnesium deficiency. The results of ongoing trials will probably clasify the role of magnesium in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction.