Magnesium is an essential mineral for maintaining bone strength, regulating blood sugar levels, and supporting heart health.

The body can meet its magnesium needs by consuming magnesium-rich foods such as grains, green vegetables, and nuts. However, in certain situations, excessive magnesium levels can occur, which can negatively impact heart function.

Signs of Excess Magnesium (Hypermagnesemia)

Magnesium plays the role of an electrolyte in the body, carrying electrical signals when dissolved in the bloodstream. Its functions include maintaining bone strength, supporting cardiovascular health, and enabling neurotransmission (the process of sending signals throughout the nervous system).

The majority of magnesium is stored in the bones. Normally, blood magnesium levels range from 1.8 to 2.2 mg/dL. When levels rise to 2.6 mg/dL or higher, a person is considered to have hypermagnesemia, or an excess of magnesium in the blood.

Hypermagnesemia is a rare condition and often doesn't present with clear symptoms. Some signs that may indicate hypermagnesemia include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Neurological disturbances
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Fever
• Headaches

In more severe cases of hypermagnesemia, it can cause heart complications, difficulty breathing, or even shock. In the most extreme situations, a person with very high magnesium levels may fall into a coma.

Causes of Excess Magnesium (Hypermagnesemia)

Most cases of hypermagnesemia are found in individuals with kidney disease. People with kidney issues may struggle to process magnesium efficiently, leading to a buildup of the mineral in the bloodstream. Those with end-stage liver disease are also at a higher risk of developing hypermagnesemia.

Regularly consuming medications that contain magnesium, such as antacids or laxatives, can also increase the risk of excess magnesium.

Other medical conditions that may contribute to hypermagnesemia include:

• Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce sufficient thyroid hormones
• Cortico-adrenal insufficiency: A condition where the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol

Treatment for Excess Magnesium (Hypermagnesemia)

Treating hypermagnesemia starts with identifying the root cause of the excess magnesium. Doctors may recommend a calcium infusion to alleviate symptoms such as breathing difficulties, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and neurological issues.

In some cases, diuretic medications may be prescribed to increase urine output, helping the body expel excess magnesium. Afterward, the focus is on further treatments to regulate magnesium levels in the blood.

For individuals with severe hypermagnesemia or kidney problems, dialysis or calcium injections may be necessary. These therapies are particularly helpful for those with kidney failure or those who continue to experience elevated magnesium levels even after treatment.

Though hypermagnesemia is a rare condition, individuals with kidney problems should remain cautious, as their kidneys may struggle to remove sufficient magnesium. It's also advisable to avoid overusing magnesium-based medications to minimize the risk of this condition.

If you have any health-related questions, consider consulting a doctor or using the Ai Care consultation feature, available on the App Store or Play Store.

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