Magnesium and Cardiac Arrythmias: An Overlooked Guardian of Electrical Stability

Abstract

Magnesium is one of the inconspicuous cations involved in multiple systems of the human body. Yet, laboratory evaluation of this ion is not routinely conducted. It plays a crucial role in the cardiac system, and abnormal levels can lead to arrhythmias by disrupting the flow of other ions involved in the cardiac membranes. This review aimed to highlight the common etiologies of hypomagnesemia and the fundamental roles of magnesium in the body with particular attention to the mechanism of action of magnesium related to suppression and termination of cardiac arrhythmias, as well as its crucial roles in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias and reperfusion injuries after myocardial infarction.