Medical Minute: How magnesium deficiencies can affect heart health

Every 33 seconds, someone dies from heart disease in the United States, with rising rates potentially linked to obesity, diabetes, pollution, and other factors. New research suggests that low magnesium levels may play a role.

Magnesium is important to your body’s muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and energy production. Low magnesium levels have been found to contribute to occurrences of heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke, and atrial fibrillation.

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle cramps, dizziness, sensitivity to light, numbness in hands and feet, fatigue, irritability, poor sleep, and headaches accompanied by nausea.

To improve magnesium intake, one should consume magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, black beans, edamame, or dark leafy greens.

Experts stress the importance of recognizing symptoms of magnesium deficiency and urge anyone to seek medical attention if symptoms escalate.