Hypomagnesemia electrocardiogram

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

ECG changes are non-specific and include a slight prolongation of conduction (a prolonged QT interva) and the depression of the ST segment. Magnesium depletion increases susceptibility to arrhythmogenic effects of drugs such as isoproterenol and cardiac glycosides and this includes supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. Torsade de pointes (repetitive polymorphous ventricular tachycardia with prolongation of QT interval) has been reported in cases of hypomagnesaemia. Torsade de pointes and other arrhythmias have been successfully treated with magnesium. However, this may be a pharmacological effect, independent of underlying magnesium deficiency.

ECG changes are non-specific and include:^[1][2]

• A slight prolongation of conduction and the depression of the ST segment
• Magnesium depletion increases susceptibility to arrhythmogenic effects of drugs such as isoproterenol and cardiac glycosides and this includes:
  • Supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias
  • Torsade de pointes has been reported in cases of hypomagnesaemia
• Torsade de pointes and other arrhythmias have been successfully treated with magnesium. However, this may be a pharmacological effect, independent of underlying magnesium deficiency.