Magnesium and heart rhythm problems

Posted by EllAmster @ellamster, Apr 17, 2019

Dear all.
I already posted something on magnesium in another group, asking if the tablets i was advised to take could have to do with some problems I am experiencing. But I thought I would post it here too.
I have a heart rhythm condition that sometimes really acts up. I had a TIA years ago, followed by my heart stopping less than a year later. So I am under supervision of a cardiologist.
But since I also have a bowel condition (sigh) my doctor told me to take 2 magnesium tablets a day, making a total of 1500 mg. per day. She said I could take even 6 tablets if I wanted to, because there are no side effects. I just heard that there can be, and I wonder if anyone of you has any experience with magnesium and a heart condition, and how this makes you feel.
I would love to share thoughts on the subject since I am not feeling very well ever since I started taking 1500 mg. of magnesium per day over two weeks ago. I called my doctor but they told me there are no side effects. So well, I thought I needed a few more thinking caps.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

@ellamster Good morning back in 1998 I had a triple bypass I'm a big believer in Vitamins I also have fibromyalgia .I've been on 600mg magnesium everyday 2yrs ago I had a echocardiogram showing everything is fine with my ❤️ Dr knows how much magnesium I take said it's fine Your taking alot I'd seek the opinion of your cardiologist was this your cardiologist that put you on 1500 Ask her what kind there are alot of different magnesium Mag.citrate is good for constipation I research alot http://www.drugs.com is a good site to look up medicine If you feel bad talk to your Dr about your concerns 😉

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@lioness Thank you.
I am taking magnesium that is prescribed by an internist. She said she wanted me on the pure stuff, because in shops they sell tablets that may contain impurities. So she gave me a prescription and it's very pure. But 750 per tablet... it is a lot. I will indeed call my cardiologist and ask him what he thinks.
Thank you for the link!

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I read that magnesium correct arrhythmia and PVCs, but could also lower the blood pressure. My BP is low to begin with and I am afraid to take magnesium. Anybody with low BP taking magnesium?

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@ellamster

@lioness Thank you.
I am taking magnesium that is prescribed by an internist. She said she wanted me on the pure stuff, because in shops they sell tablets that may contain impurities. So she gave me a prescription and it's very pure. But 750 per tablet... it is a lot. I will indeed call my cardiologist and ask him what he thinks.
Thank you for the link!

Jump to this post

@ellamster Your welcome it's always better to check

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@sophieshor

I read that magnesium correct arrhythmia and PVCs, but could also lower the blood pressure. My BP is low to begin with and I am afraid to take magnesium. Anybody with low BP taking magnesium?

Jump to this post

Hi @sophieshor,

Welcome to Connect. You might be interested in viewing this discussion about low blood pressure, where @karenatmayo @mzhp1988 @michelecallahan have shared their experiences:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/low-blood-pressure-1/

May I ask if you could share a bit more about yourself – are you concerned about your magnesium levels?

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My gosh! THat's a lot of magnesium. I take 300mg of magnesium citrate at bedtime because I have IBS and it helps keep me regular in the morning. I also have moderately high blood pressure so the magnesium can help. But be careful because at higher doses (and also due to an inadequate intake of magnesium) you can suffer from palpitations and arrhythmias. Keep in mind, doctors are not pharmacists who are training in drug interactions. I would speak to a doctor or naturopathy. There are few who train to that level...but they are worth seeing for their knowledge of nutrition, supplements and lifestyle changes to reach optimal health. Check this out: https://www.livestrong.com/article/283696-heart-palpitations-from-magnesium/

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Hi @afrobin yes it is a lot, right? You have a good point, doctors are not pharmacists...
I checked your link as well. The 'fluttering' is exactly what I experienced, and the pumping sensation drove me nuts. I am so glad with this link and the other links. I find it incredible that my internist didn't know about this.
I called the cardiologist (who is usually not very responsive and hardly answers any questions) but he wasn't in, they created a phone appointment so he will call me tomorrow afternoon. I am still not feeling okay, I was pretty vague on the phone earlier today. So I hope my body can flush the magnesium and I hope I will get back to normal, I am a bit concerned 🙁

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Considering your history, it could be a good idea to get yourself checked out at the hospital. Here in Canada where we are famous for no cost medical care but also famous for long emergency room waiting times, if it is heart related, a person are seen immediately (at no cost, of course). I hope it's the same for you...if you need to go. Better safe than sorry.

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I wonder if your not feeling well could be low sodium. That will do it. If you get your blood work done check to see if your sodium level is above 135. It's supposed to be in the range of 137 - 145. I was feeling very rotten, like I was going to die, and thought my heart was giving out from so many tachycardia events, but when the admitted me it showed my sodium level was 127--in the danger zone. The docs had said to hydrate, so I did, but overdid it. I was feeling dizzy, confused, couldn't think, nauseous, and it was because my brain was swelling.

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Thank you both @afrobin and @catmom777 (cool nick by the way, cats!).
I don't think it's low sodium, I don't really have a low sodium diet. Something changed since about two weeks ago, and I have been feeling increasingly sick. But the brain swelling is interesting, I am used to drinking quite a lot of water, ever since I was young I would start my day with half a liter of water, then half a liter of tea (French roots, we drink 'un bol' [big breakfast bowl] or more for breakfast) and drink more during the day. But I don't think there is a relationship now. I did notice however that lately, even after drinking some tea, my head would feel like it was exploding and the pulsating sensations grew stronger. I will stop taking the magnesium for now to see if this will help me feeling better.

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