Role of magnesium in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiol Rev. 2014 Jul-Aug;22(4):182-92. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000003.

Abstract

Magnesium, the fourth most abundant cation in the human body, is involved in several essential physiological, biochemical, and cellular processes regulating cardiovascular function. It plays a critical role in modulating vascular smooth muscle tone, endothelial cell function, and myocardial excitability and is thus central to the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias. This review discusses the vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-ischemic, and antiarrhythmic properties of magnesium and its current role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
  • Homeostasis / physiology
  • Humans
  • Magnesium / physiology*
  • Magnesium / therapeutic use
  • Magnesium Deficiency / complications
  • Magnesium Deficiency / physiopathology
  • Myocardial Ischemia / drug therapy
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / physiology

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents
  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Magnesium