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What Are the Benefits of Magnesium for Palpitations?

Kathleen Howard
Kathleen Howard

Heart palpitations are uncomfortable sensations that can make an individual feel as if his or her heart is racing, pounding or beating irregularly. Magnesium, a mineral responsible for many of the body’s metabolic reactions, is often used in treating palpitations. A major benefit of using magnesium for palpitations is that this treatment addresses a common cause of palpitations, which is a lack of magnesium in the blood. Magnesium also benefits patients by relaxing the muscles, balancing calcium levels, and sometimes eliminating the need for stronger medications.

Magnesium deficiency is believed to be one of the main causes of palpitations. Research has indicated that people who suffer from magnesium deficiencies are more likely to experience irregular heart rates. Magnesium deficiencies can also cause high blood pressure, which might make some patients feel as if their heart is pounding or racing. In some patients, using magnesium might reduce the frequency and severity of these unpleasant sensations.

Magnesium, a mineral responsible for many of the body’s metabolic reactions, is often used in treating palpitations.
Magnesium, a mineral responsible for many of the body’s metabolic reactions, is often used in treating palpitations.

One of the reasons why magnesium is so important is because it balances calcium levels inside the body. In the nervous system, calcium is used to send nerve impulses that tell the muscles to contract. Magnesium counteracts calcium and tells the muscles to relax. If there is an overabundance of calcium, the muscles might begin to spasm and become very sensitive. When this occurs in the heart, an individual might feel his or her heart palpitating.

Spinach provides magnesium, a crucial electrolyte that helps regulate the nervous system.
Spinach provides magnesium, a crucial electrolyte that helps regulate the nervous system.

Using magnesium for palpitations is also beneficial because it helps the body absorb calcium. Low magnesium levels can inhibit the body’s absorption of calcium. When calcium levels are low, a person might suffer from muscle tension, tightness in the chest, and other negative effects. Low levels of both magnesium and calcium can reduce nerve function and lead to irregular heartbeats.

Salmon is one of many foods naturally rich in magnesium.
Salmon is one of many foods naturally rich in magnesium.

Another important benefit of using magnesium for palpitations is that it might eliminate the need for other medications. Persistent or severe heart palpitations can be very unpleasant. To reduce discomfort, certain medications can be used to regulate the heart rate. Before using a prescription medication, many physicians recommend managing palpitations with diet and lifestyle changes. Using magnesium for palpitations might help a patient manage his or her condition without turning to more potent medications.

Prolonged fatigue and poor concentration are symptoms of a magnesium deficiency.
Prolonged fatigue and poor concentration are symptoms of a magnesium deficiency.

While some medical professionals recommend using magnesium for palpitations, patients should be aware that high magnesium levels can also cause irregular heartbeats. If a person’s palpitations have worsened while taking magnesium, the individual should consult a physician. Additional symptoms of excess magnesium include loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

@SarahGen-- I use magnesium oil occasionally in my bath. It definitely helps with muscle cramps and palpitations. Magnesium can be absorbed through skin so magnesium acts the same way as magnesium supplements that are taken orally. You can add magnesium oil to your bath water, or even apply it directly into your skin and scalp. There are also magnesium flakes that can be added to bath water instead of the oil.

Whenever I have a stressful week at work, I get heart palpitations and insomnia from the stress. Magnesium helps me relax.

The only issue is that it may be difficult to control the exact amount of magnesium that you're getting this way. So it's important to check with your doctor before using them and always follow the directions from the manufacturer. You don't want to be getting more magnesium than you need.

SarahGen

Has anyone tried magnesium oil in their bath water? Does it help with muscle cramps, chest pain and heart palpitations?

donasmrs

I used to have chronic anxiety and heart palpitations. Even though I was taking anti-anxiety medications, my symptoms hadn't completely disappeared.

Then I went for a routine checkup and had blood tests done. Usually doctors don't test for everything but when I told my doctor my symptoms, she asked for additional tests to check my thyroid hormone levels as well as iron and magnesium in my blood. The results came back and I found out that I have a severe magnesium deficiency.

I started taking magnesium supplements immediately. I take 360mg several times a week. Just taking this supplement has resolved my anxiety and heart palpitations completely. I would have never thought that a mineral could make so much of a difference.

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    • Magnesium, a mineral responsible for many of the body’s metabolic reactions, is often used in treating palpitations.
      By: concept w
      Magnesium, a mineral responsible for many of the body’s metabolic reactions, is often used in treating palpitations.
    • Spinach provides magnesium, a crucial electrolyte that helps regulate the nervous system.
      By: travelbook
      Spinach provides magnesium, a crucial electrolyte that helps regulate the nervous system.
    • Salmon is one of many foods naturally rich in magnesium.
      By: pilipphoto
      Salmon is one of many foods naturally rich in magnesium.
    • Prolonged fatigue and poor concentration are symptoms of a magnesium deficiency.
      By: kmiragaya
      Prolonged fatigue and poor concentration are symptoms of a magnesium deficiency.
    • Persistent or severe heart palpitations can be very unpleasant.
      By: hriana
      Persistent or severe heart palpitations can be very unpleasant.
    • Heart palpitations should be evaluated by a doctor.
      By: Kadmy
      Heart palpitations should be evaluated by a doctor.
    • Symptoms of excess magnesium may include loss of appetite.
      By: Ivonne Wierink
      Symptoms of excess magnesium may include loss of appetite.
    • Symptoms of excess magnesium may include low blood pressure.
      By: carmeta
      Symptoms of excess magnesium may include low blood pressure.