Role of intravenous magnesium therapy in short term risk factors of acute myocardial infarction

ABSTRACT

Acute Myocardial Infarction [AMI] continues to be a major health problem in the developed and underdeveloped countries. A deficient intake of magnesium [Mg[++]] is suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of ischaemic heart disease and sudden death. A large proportion of deaths among patients with myocardial infarction occur within the first 24 hours due to arrhythmias, re-infarction and sudden cardiac death. The aim of study was to evaluate the role of intravenous magnesium therapy in the short term risk factors of AMI i.e. arrhythmias, re-infarction and sudden cardiac death within first 24 hours of the incidence of AMI. The study was conducted in Punjab Institute of Cardiology, Lahore. The study group [comprising 75 patients of AMI] was given intravenous magnesium in standard doses along with conventional therapy of AMI. The control group [comprising 75 patients of AMI] was given only conventional therapy. Both groups were compared for occurrence of short term risk factors of AMI during the next 24 hours of their stay in the hospital. The results indicated that patients getting magnesium therapy along with conventional treatment of AMI, only 02 patients [2.67%] developed complications i.e. arrhythmias [1.33%], sudden cardiac death [1.33%], while those patients who were not given intravenous magnesium[control group]. 12 out of 75 patients [16%] developed complications i.e. arrhythmias [10.67%], and sudden cardiac deaths [5.33%]. The number of patients who developed post-infarct short term complications in the control group was statistically significant. In conclusion, it seems that intravenous magnesium therapy may have anti-arrhythmic effects and may prevent re-infarction and sudden cardiac death