Intravenous magnesium is sometimes used, especially in emergency situations such as an acute heart attack or acute asthma attack. Oral supplemental magnesium effectively raises body magnesium stores. Magnesium works by relaxing the smooth bronchial muscles, which open the airways for easier breathing. Magnesium supplementation is effective in treating numerous cardiovascular diseases and has been used for over 50 years. Research has shown that people dying of a heart attack have lower magnesium levels than people the same age dying from other causes.
Intravenous magnesium is used in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction.
Magnesium is beneficial in the treatment of myocardial infarction because it dilates the coronary arteries, which results in improved delivery of oxygen to the heart. The mineral also improves energy production within the heart and inhibits platelet aggregation and blood clot formation. Deficiency of magnesium might increase heart disease risk by weakening the heart s defense to free-radical damage. Most studies have used intravenous magnesium, but oral supplementation may also be helpful. Magnesium is used in many types of cardiac arrythmias.