Do you have an irregular heart rhythm? Even preventricular contractions (PVCs) that are not believed to be dangerous can be disconcerting. A person is justified in becoming alarmed over more serious rhythm disruptions. One young man found, after years of suffering, that a magnesium supplement controlled the problem.
What to Do About Irregular Heart Rhythm?
Q. My son started having heart palpitations at age 19. The doctors could find no cause for it. He lived with this constant scary feeling that he could die at any moment.
He went into AFib [atrial fibrillation] twice over the years but was brought out of it. By the time he was forty, he was exhausted from all this. Even the Mayo Clinic found no physical reason for his irregular heart rhythm.
His doctor suggested he try magnesium. My son took supplemental magnesium and was disappointed that it made no difference.
Different Types of Magnesium:
When I looked it up online, I found there are many different types of magnesium. The doctor didn’t tell us that! We found that magnesium taurate is supposed to help heart palpitations. His life changed overnight!
He is now 48 and living a more peaceful life. He recently admitted to me that he even considered suicide – it was such a horrible way to live.
Why Magnesium Is Important:
A. Magnesium is essential for all cells. It is especially important for both muscles and heart health. If levels of this mineral drop too low, people are at higher risk for atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm. When doctors correct magnesium deficiency, they may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in addition to irregular heart rhythms (Antioxidants, Sep. 23, 2020).
There are indeed many formulations of magnesium. Some, such as magnesium maleate and glycinate, are easier on the digestive tract. People absorb magnesium taurate quickly and completely (Biological Trace Element Research, Jan. 2019). People with poor kidney function should avoid magnesium supplements, however. They can strain overburdened or underperforming kidneys.
Magnesium Eased Another Arrhythmia:
Q. I used to take verapamil for occasional supraventricular tachycardia. Four years ago I switched to magnesium, alternating 250 mg one day, 500 mg the next.
No more irregular heart rhythm. In addition, I sleep better and have no more constipation. Since I have no prescription insurance, I have saved myself a lot of money!
A. In one study, women who took less than half the RDA for magnesium (which is 320 mg/day) had significantly more supraventricular beats (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 2002) on that regimen. Moreover, magnesium can also combat constipation (Nutrients, Feb. 2021). However, the warning about low kidney function applies in this case as well.