Mononuclear cell magnesium and retention of magnesium after intravenous loading in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

A magnesium (Mg⁺⁺) retention test was performed in 19 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) 4–11 days after admission to the coronary care unit. The retention of Mg⁺⁺ was 45±23% of the 30 mmol given intravenously. It has been proposed that a retention of more than 20% represents Mg⁺⁺deficiency. The mononuclear cell Mg⁺⁺ concentration before the retention test was on an average slightly higher in the AMI patients than in 25 healthy volunteers (72.5±24.2 vs. 62.9±9.2 μmol g⁻¹ protein) indicating no Mg⁺⁺ depletion in the first group. The reason why patients during the phase of AMI show an increased retention of Mg⁺⁺ is unknown, but changes in concentrations of several hormones and a reduction in blood glucose could be of importance. Serum concentrations of Mg⁺⁺ were lower on admission than after 4–11 days. These initial reductions are probably due to increased concentrations of circulating catecholamines during the early hours of AMI.

Key Words:

• catecholamines
• hormones
• magnesium deficiency
• serum magnesium