Muscle magnesium content and cardiac arrhythmias during treatment of congestive heart failure due to chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy
Câmara, E.J.; Cruz, T.R.; Nassri, J.M.; Rodrigues, L.E.
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research 19(1): 49-58
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0100-879X PMID: 3801726 Document Number: 271419
The mean skeletal muscle Mg2+ content measured in 11 patients with chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (being treated for congestive heart failure) was significantly (P<0.01) lower (60.7 mg/100g, ranging from 40.7 to 83.7) than for 15 normal controls (74.06 +or- 11.4mg/100g). Of these 7 had muscle Mg2+ levels well below normal (group A) and 4 normal levels (group B). Serum Mg2+ was not a sensitive index of deficiency. Digitalis toxicity was observed in all group A patients but in only one group B patient. Ventricular tachycardia occurred in 6 group A patients and in none of group B. The frequency and severity of premature ventricular contractions were higher in group A patients.