Metoprolol and seniors

@frane my cardiologist said magnesium was good for the heart. He said he takes it himself.

@frane It depends, but the betting money would be on 'Yes.' But it does depend!!

In modern times, people who eat a typical N. American diet are not getting enough magnesium the way most humans got it hundreds of years ago...through vegetables, leafy greens, plenty of nuts, shellfish. Soils have become depleted in it as humans have used up the soils for large scale growth over the past 140 years or so. So, like Vitamin D, most of us are deficient. But it's one of those things you shouldn't decide willy nilly just because you saw it on a YouTube video or here on Mayo. It would be worth a visit and consultation with at least a registered dietician, but more likely you'll get the proper tests through a family doctor who is sympathetic and would like to know the answer for him/herself and for your sake.

Even so, there would be little harm or danger in taking between 200-400 mg daily because, if your kidneys are sound and functioning properly, they'll eliminate all the excess if even that small daily amount turns out to be excessive. But there you go again....ARE your kidneys in good condition? How would you learn so?

@frane I was just talking to someone about magnesium supplements, and they said the list of medications that can interact with it are much longer than you would imagine. So I went looking, and here are the 5 most commonly mentioned: antibiotics, blood pressure medications, thyroid medication, osteoporosis medications, and calcium.
So, if you use any of these, certainly don't start magnesium until you have a doctor or pharmacist check for interactions.

@sueinmn Thanks. I have Natural Calm magnesium. In that 200-400 mg range. I thought it would be a good evening drink-helpful for winding down. Luckily, not dealing with any of the issues that might be a problem .

I was put on Metropolol five years ago, gradually decreasing dosage to 12.5 mg, the lowest dose. In June, I had an accident at the gym and broke the ball in my right hip necessitating a replacement. As the BP was monitored, it became apparent that my BP was normal without Metropolol. I was having BP drops, which might have caused my fall. I stopped the drug and now cannot understand why a doctor wants me to take a drug that lowers my BP to 90/60 r more. I have persistent AFib, which is hardly noticeable, and a Pacemaker. I am healthy and feel good.