OBJECTIVE To summarise the potential consequences of atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and the relationship of the arrhythmia with serum magnesium concentration ([Mg]) and to review the trials of magnesium supplementation as prophylaxis against post-CABG AF. DATA SOURCES Abstracts, articles and published reviews on AF after CABG and magnesium prophylax...

BACKGROUND Magnesium (Mg(2+)) is an essential electrolyte with important physiological functions. Consequently, hypomagnesaemia, an electrolyte disorder frequently diagnosed in critically ill patients, can have life-threatening consequences. The kidney plays a central role in the regulation of the Mg(2+) balance. The present study investigated the molecular consequences of dietary Mg(2+) restri...

Simpler and more accurate flame spectrophotometric techniques are now available for estimating magnesium. Because of the development of modern electrolyte therapy, cases of hypo-magnesaemia are now encountered more frequently. The condition may lead to dangerous convulsions without sufficient warning. Some causes of hypomagnesaemia and hypermagnesaemia are presented.