Various diseases of the internal organs lead to an imbalance in the electrolytes. As you know, in the composition of blood and other biological tissues there are chemical elements. They are necessary for the functioning of processes carried out at the cellular level.
Electrolytes include many chemicals available in the periodic table. However, the most important elements are: sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. It is dangerous for the body both a low content of these substances and their excess. One of the disorders is hypermagnesemia. Symptoms of this condition are usually pronounced, therefore, immediate correction of electrolytes is required.
What is hypermagnesemia?
The condition is characterized by an increased content of a chemical element in the blood. A similar violation can occur in people of different ages. Also, the frequency of development of electrolyte imbalance does not depend on gender. Magnesium is one of the main cations, since it is involved in the biochemical transformations of nucleic acids containing the genetic material of the body’s cells. It is also needed to ensure enzymatic activity.
The normal content of magnesium in the bloodstream ranges 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 disturbances in cardiovascular activity and neurological status.
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 bones. This element is ingested with food. Therefore, the main causes of excess magnesium are:
- Excessive intake of foods containing this mineral.
- Violation of excretion of electrolyte from the body by the kidneys.
In addition, the exchange of magnesium is associated with other known elements, among which are calcium and lithium. Therefore, an increase in their concentration in the blood leads to an increase in the Mg content. Risk factors leading to hypermagnesemia are:
- Diseases of the urinary system, accompanied by chronic renal failure.
- Decreased thyroid hormone levels - hypothyroidism.
- The use of medicines containing magnesium or lithium.
- Hypercalcemia.
- Pathology of the adrenal gland, in particular Addison's disease.
- Milk-alkaline syndrome, characterized by impaired biochemical metabolism.
Medications containing magnesium include proton pump inhibitors designed to treat gastritis and gastric ulcer. Also, this mineral is found in laxatives. Another medicine is the well-known magnesium sulfate, which is used to lower blood pressure during pregnancy.
The mechanism of development of electrolyte disturbances
Magnesium is ingested daily with food. Its concentration in the blood is insignificant, since most of this element is concentrated in the intracellular space. The kidneys are responsible for the excretion of magnesium. With normal function of the urinary system, plasma is filtered and the electrolytes in the blood are regulated in the amount in which they are needed. However, with renal failure, chemical elements are retained in the body, leading to hyperkalemia, hypermagnesemia, and excessive calcium and sodium.
More minerals are filtered. It is about 70%. The rest of the magnesium is bound to blood proteins and is responsible for electrolyte metabolism. In addition to kidney diseases, an increase in the concentration of the mineral in the blood leads to its excessive consumption with food or as medications. 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 worn out or pronounced (with a sharp increase in the level of electrolyte in the blood). In the first case, there is a decrease in performance 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. The following symptoms of hypermagnesemia are noted:
- Muscle hypotension, up to imbalance and loss of consciousness.
- Paralysis.
- Nausea and headache.
- Vomiting
- Impaired breathing and cardiac activity.
High levels of magnesium in the bloodstream pose a threat to the patient's life. A sharp increase in the concentration of this chemical element leads to irreversible consequences on the part of the heart and nervous system. In such cases, the symptoms of hypermagnesemia include bradycardia, respiratory failure 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 delay in the mineral in the body. Besides the fact that magnesium comes from food, it cannot be completely excreted in the urine. As a result, symptoms of electrolyte disturbances develop, which at first are slightly expressed, 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 that signs of hypermagnesemia may develop may be a disease of the gastrointestinal tract. With increased secretion of hydrochloric acid, antacids are prescribed, namely proton pump inhibitors. Similar medicinal substances contain magnesium, therefore, with their constant use, the level of this element in the blood may increase, despite normal excretion.
Diagnostic criteria for electrolyte imbalance
To detect hypermagnesemia, it is necessary to conduct a biochemical blood test for the content of electrolytes. 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, ECG changes are noted. If the magnesium level reaches 5 mmol / L, marked hypotension and the disappearance of tendon reflexes are noted. A deeper electrolyte imbalance leads to a coma and cardiac arrest.
Hypermagnesemia: symptoms, treatment of pathology
To reduce the concentration of magnesium, the introduction of various infusions is required. Saline will help dilute the blood. Also, the treatment of hypermagnesemia involves the 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 Furosemide medication. In severe cases, artificial plasma filtration is indicated - hemodialysis.
Prevention of electrolyte disturbances
To prevent 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.