 |
John Arts
|
Someone I know well has been treated by a cardiologist for Atrial Fibrillation, one of the more common heart rhythm issues. What was interesting that the cardiologist recommended a high-grade magnesium supplement along with prescribed medications.
One paper (European Heart Journal, 2017) stated: 'As such, magnesium plays an integral role in a variety of functions related to cardiovascular disorders. Reduced dietary intake of magnesium has been linked with a higher risk of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, ischaemic heart disease, and new-onset heart failure and heart failure-related hospitalisation.
'Similarly, a low serum magnesium level is associated with up to a 50 per cent higher incidence of new AF, left ventricular hypertrophy, and is an important predictor of sudden cardiovascular death and overall mortality.”
Critical role
Perhaps my friend's cardiologist is aware of this and similar studies. The American Association for Thoracic Surgery and the European Society of Cardiology now incorporate magnesium therapy into treatment and management of some heart arrythmias.
As an electrolyte, magnesium has a critical role in maintaining normal electrical function in heart muscle. One study shows patients receiving supplemental magnesium are three times more likely to get their heart rate below 100bpm than those on a placebo.
This central role of magnesium in heart muscle is because it regulates energy needed for other electrolytes, notably calcium, potassium and sodium. If magnesium is low, these electrolytes become imbalanced and can start processes that affect heart rhythm.
Magnesium supplementation
I use magnesium supplementation in two ways. Firstly, I add it to my multi-mineral/vitamin/antioxidant complex. The levels in this are sufficient for a healthy person. However, for those with arrythmia we need to add therapeutic levels.
For this I've combined three bioavailable forms of magnesium (natural marine, glycinate and citrate) in one supplement. I then allow a dosage range of between one-four capsules daily to meet individual needs. For more information, give me a call or email: john@abundant.co.nz. You can read my newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz
John Arts is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559.
