Hypermagnesemia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Hypermagnesemia is a condition when the level of magnesium in the blood is excessive and the amount is above 2.6 mg/dL. This condition can cause a variety of complaints, from mild ones such as nausea to severe complaints such as decreased consciousness to coma.
Magnesium is a mineral in the body that plays a role in maintaining healthy bones, heart, nerves, and various other body functions. Most of the magnesium is stored in the bones and only a small amount in the blood.
The balance of the amount of magnesium in the body is strictly maintained by the intestines and kidneys. Excess amounts of magnesium will be excreted by the kidneys through urine. If kidney function is impaired, due to kidney failure for example, magnesium can accumulate in the blood and cause hypermagnesemia.
Symptom
Here are some symptoms that generally occur in hypermagnesemia conditions:
- Nauseous vomit
- Nervous disorders Low blood pressure
- Headache
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Heavy shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
Reason
Hypermagnesemia conditions are generally caused by kidney damage or kidney failure. Due to this decline in kidney function, excess magnesium in the blood fails to be excreted in the urine. As a result, magnesium accumulates in the blood and causes various complaints.
Apart from kidney failure, several other conditions can also increase a person’s risk of experiencing hypermagnesemia. These conditions include:
- Pregnant women with preeclampsia who receive high-dose magnesium therapy
- Those with treatment using lithium
- Hypothyroidism
- Addison’s disease
- Use of some laxatives and antacids
- Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia
These conditions generally cause mild to moderate hypermagnesemia, not as severe as that caused by kidney failure.
Diagnosis
Hypermagnesemia is diagnosed through blood tests. Normal magnesium levels range from 1.7–2.3 mg/dL. The higher the level in the blood, the more severe the general condition.
Magnesium levels of 2.4–7 mg/dL generally cause complaints such as:
- Headache
- Rotating view
- Nauseous vomit
While complaints that arise when magnesium levels are 7–12 mg/dL include:
- Low blood pressure
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Weak body
More severe conditions generally occur at magnesium levels above 12 mg/dL. Conditions that can occur can range from paralysis, severe shortness of breath, to decreased consciousness. If this hypermagnesemia condition continues until the magnesium level exceeds 15.6 mg/dL, coma to death becomes a threat.
Treatment
The main treatment for hypermagnesemia is to stop magnesium intake so that it does not accumulate in the blood. In addition, calcium supplementation through an infusion is also often done to improve respiratory conditions, heart rhythm, and blood pressure.
Diuretic drugs can also be given in some cases to trigger magnesium excretion through the urine. If this therapy is considered ineffective, dialysis can be performed to remove excess magnesium from the blood through a hemodialysis device.
Complications
If not treated immediately, severe hypermagnesemia can lead to loss of consciousness, heart failure, coma, and death.
Prevention
To prevent hypermagnesemia, patients with kidney failure are generally advised to have regular blood tests. This test also includes blood electrolytes, including magnesium.
In addition, the use of antacid and laxative drugs must also be carried out according to the doctor’s instructions. The use of these two drugs can increase the risk of hypermagnesemia in certain people.