Magnesium May Prevent Fatal Heart Attacks

By Hans R. Larsen MSc ChE

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. Sudden fatal heart attacks claim over 300,000 victims each year in the U.S. alone. Fatal heart attacks are more common in areas where the water supply is magnesium deficient. Dr. Eisenberg at the University of California now suggests that there is a definite link between magnesium deficiency and sudden fatal heart attacks. He points out that the average human body contains about 24 grams of magnesium and requires a daily intake of 200-400 milligrams. The actual average intake through food and drinking water is often significantly less than the requirement particularly in areas having a supply of soft drinking water. The doctor recommends large scale studies to evaluate the potential benefits of oral magnesium supplementation.

American Heart Journal, August 1992, pp. 544-49

In a study of 141 patients with strongly symptomatic Mitral Valve Prolapse, 60 percent of the people had low levels of magnesium. This is compared to only a 5% magnesium deficiency for the control group. Magnesium supplementation given for 5 weeks reduced the symptoms of chest pain, palpitation, anxiety, low energy, faintness, and difficulty breathing by 50 percent in this group.

Note: Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is a disorder where the Mitral Valve of the heart fails to completely close off one of the chambers in the heart during contraction.