Published on August 19, 2019
Atrial fibrillation (also called Afib or AF), is an irregular, often rapid heart rate that can cause symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and weakness. It affects an estimated 2.7 million Americans or more, and can lead to serious complications such as blood clots, stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases, which may be fatal. Since some people have no apparent symptoms, it often goes un-diagnosed.
How Could Magnesium Affect Heart Rate?
Magnesium plays several functional roles within cardiac muscle to regulate heart rate and contractions. It helps control the sodium-potassium pump within the cell membranes that causes the muscles of the heart to pump. It has been shown to extend the refractory period of the heart muscle, which is the relaxation time after the heart muscle pumps. In some studies, it has even been more effective at restoring the heart’s rhythm than standard pharmaceutical treatments.
Magnesium and Atrial Fibrillation
Several studies have linked magnesium to the incidence and development of AF. An analysis by Khan et al. used data from the Framingham Offspring Study, which involved more than two decades of data from a total of 3,530 participants, to look at the link between serum magnesium and the development of AF in those without existing cardiovascular disease. Over the time of the analysis, 5% of participants developed AF. The incidence of AF was highest in the quartile with the lowest magnesium level (P=0.02); no additional improvement was shown as serum magnesium rose beyond the level of the second quartile, suggesting there is a threshold serum magnesium level at which no further effect on AF can be seen.
The measurement for magnesium used in this study was the serum magnesium level, which is different than the RBC magnesium measurement in the Elements Panel, offered by GrassrootsHealth. Also note that the RBC magnesium test is a more accurate measurement of magnesium status than serum magnesium.
Are you getting enough magnesium?
Make sure your magnesium levels are not too low. Getting enough magnesium has been linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular, mental-emotional, bone health and more. Find out your levels today! Log on to the shop (click the link below) to get your tests and see for yourself if your level can be improved.
Make sure you track your results before and after, about every 6 months!
How can I track my magnesium intake and levels over time?
To help you track your supplement use and nutrient levels, GrassrootsHealth has created an online tracking system called myData-myAnswers. For each specific supplement, you can track what days you take it, how much, and many other details. This will help you know your true supplemental intake and what patterns of use work for you to reach and maintain optimum nutrient levels. Check it out today!
How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?
Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!
STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health
STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study
STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there
STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)
