Magnesium Deficiency and Cardiometabolic Disease

Magnesium (Mg2+) has many physiological functions within the body. These include important roles in maintaining cardiovascular functioning, where it contributes to the regulation of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling, endothelial functioning and haemostasis. The haemostatic roles of Mg2+ impact upon both the protein and cellular arms of coagulation. In this review, we examine how Mg2+ homeostasis is maintained within the body and highlight the various molecular roles attributed to Mg2+ in the cardiovascular system. In addition, we describe how nutritional and/or disease-associated magnesium deficiency, seen in some metabolic conditions, has the potential to influence cardiac and vascular outcomes. Finally, we also examine the potential for magnesium supplements to be employed in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disorders and in the management of cardiometabolic health.

Automated summary

Magnesium (Mg2+) plays vital physiological roles in cardiovascular functioning, including regulation of cardiac excitation-contraction coupling, endothelial functioning, and haemostasis. It impacts both protein and cellular aspects of coagulation. This review explores the maintenance of Mg2+ homeostasis in the body, the molecular roles of Mg2+ in the cardiovascular system, the potential influence of magnesium deficiency on cardiac and vascular outcomes, and the use of magnesium supplements in preventing and treating cardiovascular disorders and managing cardiometabolic health.