Magnesium for Healthy Hearts

Magnesium is essential for healthy heart rhythm.
It is involved in transporting electrolytes, such as calcium and potassium -which are important for sending nerve signals and muscle contractions (heartbeat)- into cells.

​Research indicates that magnesium deficiency, or restricted magnesium intake, increases instances of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats).

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When a heart is healthy, it contains more magnesium than other muscles and when magnesium levels are low, the levels in the heart cells drop more than in other muscles. Muscles need magnesium in order to function as each molecule of myosin (muscle protein) contains one atom of magnesium.[1] ‘Magnesium is a vital structural component of all muscle cells, and the heart is mainly a muscle.’[1]

In hospital settings.. 
​Magnesium has been administered for acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) patients and cardiac arrhythmia (irregular beating of the heart) with positive results.[3] 
​Magnesium is also used for treating angina.[4]

​The importance of magnesium with regard to heart health can be summarised as follows:

1. Magnesium is necessary for ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to generate energy for various processes and productions, including energy for muscles.[5] 
2. Magnesium prevents the formation of blood clots by slowing the release of thromboxane (a fatty acid that raises the likelihood of blood platelets clotting).[6]
3. Magnesium draws out calcium from cells, arterial lining, blood vessels, etc. thus preventing calcification and other problems.  
4. Magnesium + Calcium control contraction / relaxation (retraction) actions respectively which in turn controls blood pressure.
5. Magnesium prevents the accumulation of calcium in cholesterol plaque in arteries[7], consequently preventing atherosclerosis[8] and arteriosclerosis.
6. Magnesium controls potassium & calcium levels; magnesium plays a pivotal role in the regulating of your heart beats.
7. Magnesium is necessary for enzymes that keep potassium within cells and sodium outside.
   

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Magnesium-rich food are also nutrient-rich and often high in fibre.

​​ Post heart attack, magnesium…

• prevents rhythm problems
• improves blood flow to heart by dilating blood vessels
• protects the damaged/weakened heart against calcium overload
• improves heart muscle function
• breaks down any clots blocking the arteries

Before heart problems arise, be sure to take care of your magnesium levels! This can be through eating more magnesium-rich foods; daily applications of magnesium oil, lotion or gel, and regular magnesium flakes foot soaks and baths. 

[1], [2] Mildred S. Seeling and Andrea Rosanoff, ‘The Magnesium Factor’, (New York: Avery Books, 2003) p.10
[3] “Magnesium Is Found to Aid Bypass Patients – NYTimes.com.” The New York Times – Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. 06 Nov. 1992. [accessed: 12.01.2011] <http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE1D9103CF935A35752C1A964958260&scp=8&sq=Magnesium&st=nyt>
[4] Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., ‘The Magnesium Miracle’,  (New York: Ballantine Books, 2007) p.xix
[5] Mark Sircus, Ac., O.M.D., ‘Transdermal Magnesium Therapy’, (Chandler: Phaelos Books, 2007) p.127
[6] “Medicinal Ingredients – Magnesium.” Medical Explorer – Medical Advice, Drug Information, Health Articles. [accessed: 12.01.2011]  <http://www.medical-explorer.com/medicinal-ingredients-m/magnesium_1.html>.
[7] Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., ‘The Magnesium Miracle’,  (New York: Ballantine Books, 2007) pp. 99
[8] A build up of scarring and fats in the arterial walls that are referred to as ‘plaques’, which cause hardening, narrowing and loss of elasticity of arteries.