Various diseases of the internal organs lead to electrolyte imbalance. As you know, there are chemical elements in the composition of blood and other biological tissues. They are necessary for the functioning of processes carried out at the cellular level.
Electrolytes include many of the chemicals in the periodic table. However, the most important elements are: sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Both the low content of these substances and their excess are dangerous for the body. One of the disorders is hypermagnesemia. Symptoms of this condition are usually pronounced, so an immediate correction of electrolytes is required.
What is hypermagnesemia?
The condition is characterized by an increased content of a chemical element in the blood. This disorder can occur in people of all ages. Also, the frequency of development of electrolyte imbalance does not depend on gender. Magnesium is one of the main cations, asit participates in the biochemical transformations of nucleic acids containing the genetic material of body cells. It is also needed to ensure enzymatic activity.
Normal magnesium levels in the bloodstream range from 1.7 to 2.3 mg/dl. This element is closely related to other chemicals, in particular calcium and potassium. Therefore, combined electrolyte disturbances are more common. For example, hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia. Symptoms of this imbalance include cardiovascular and neurological problems.
Causes of hypermagnesemia
Magnesium, like other elements of the periodic table, is necessary in the body to maintain electrolyte balance. It is concentrated inside the cells, most of it is in the structure of the bones. This element enters the body with food. Therefore, the main causes of excess magnesium are:
- Excessive consumption of foods containing this mineral.
- Impaired excretion of electrolyte from the body by the kidneys.
In addition, magnesium metabolism is associated with other known elements, including calcium and lithium. Therefore, an increase in their concentration in the blood leads to an increase in the content of Mg. Risk factors leading to hypermagnesemia are:
- Diseases of the urinary system, accompanied by chronic renal failure.
- Decrease in thyroid hormone levels –hypothyroidism.
- Using medicines containing magnesium or lithium.
- Hypercalcemia.
- Pathologies of the adrenal glands, in particular Addison's disease.
- Milk-alkaline syndrome, characterized by disturbances in biochemical metabolism.
Medications containing magnesium include proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of gastritis and peptic ulcers. Also, this mineral is found in laxatives. Another medicine is the well-known magnesium sulfate, which is used to lower blood pressure during pregnancy.
Mechanism of development of electrolyte disorders
Magnesium enters the body daily with food. Its concentration in the blood is negligible, since most of this element is concentrated in the intracellular space. The kidneys are responsible for the excretion of magnesium. With the normal function of the urinary system, plasma is filtered and electrolytes are regulated in the blood in the amount in which they are needed. However, in renal failure, the chemical elements are retained in the body, leading to hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia, excess calcium and sodium.
More mineral matter is filtered. It is about 70%. The rest of the magnesium is associated with blood proteins and is responsible for electrolyte metabolism. In addition to kidney disease, an increase in the concentration of a mineral in the blood leads to its excessive consumption with food or asmedical means. Normally, all excess magnesium should be excreted from the body. However, the latter does not always cope with this.
Hypermagnesemia: symptoms of pathology
The clinical picture with an excess of magnesium can be erased or pronounced (with a sharp rise in the level of electrolyte in the blood). In the first case, there is a decrease in efficiency and weakness. Patients complain of constant drowsiness, loss of strength. This condition is associated with vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure. If the balance is not restored in time, the condition worsens. In this case, the following symptoms of hypermagnesemia are noted:
- Muscle hypotonia, up to imbalance and loss of consciousness.
- Paralysis.
- Nausea and headache.
- Vomiting.
- Violation of breathing and cardiac activity.
High levels of magnesium in the bloodstream pose a danger to the patient's life. A sharp rise in the concentration of this chemical element leads to irreversible consequences on the part of the heart and nervous system. In such cases, symptoms of hypermagnesemia include bradycardia, respiratory distress, and coma. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent cardiac arrest.
Pathologies accompanied by hypermagnesemia
Diseases that may be accompanied by hypermagnesemia include pathologies of the kidneys and adrenal glands. In the first case, the main cause of electrolyte imbalance is the retention of the mineral in the body. In addition to the fact that magnesium comes from food,it cannot be completely eliminated from the body in the urine. As a result, symptoms of electrolyte disturbances develop, which are mild at first and then progress.
Hypermagnesemia is accompanied by such an ailment as Addison's disease. This pathology is characterized by insufficient production of adrenal hormones. Another reason for the development of signs of hypermagnesemia may be a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. With increased secretion of hydrochloric acid, antacids are prescribed, namely proton pump inhibitors. Such medicinal substances contain magnesium, therefore, with their constant use, the level of this element in the blood can increase, despite normal excretion.
Diagnostic criteria for electrolyte imbalance
To detect hypermagnesemia, it is necessary to conduct a biochemical blood test for electrolytes. A violation is confirmed if the mineral level exceeds 2.3 mg/dL or 1.05 mmol/L. In addition to the characteristic symptoms and laboratory data, changes in the ECG are noted. If the magnesium level reaches 5 mmol / l, marked hypotension and the disappearance of tendon reflexes are noted. Deeper electrolyte imbalance leads to coma and cardiac arrest.
Hypermagnesemia: symptoms, treatment of pathology
Various infusions are required to lower the magnesium concentration. Saline solution will help dilute the blood. Also treatmenthypermagnesemia implies relief of its symptoms. For this purpose, the drug "Calcium gluconate" is administered in an amount of 10-20 ml intravenously. In order for magnesium to be excreted faster, diuretics are prescribed, most often the drug "Furosemide". In severe cases, artificial plasma filtration is indicated - hemodialysis.
Prevention of electrolyte disorders
For the prevention of hypermagnesemia in patients with chronic renal failure, it is recommended to periodically donate blood for electrolytes. Also, patients should constantly adhere to a special diet and treat the underlying pathology.
