Magnesium administration and dysrhythmias after cardiac surgery: a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial

Article Abstract:

Patients who are treated with magnesium after heart surgery may be less likely to develop cardiac dysrhythmia, or an irregular heart beat, than those those who are not. Individuals who have undergone certain types of heart surgery often develop magnesium deficiency after surgery. Among 100 patients who underwent heart surgery, 50 were treated with intravenous magnesium and 50 were treated with a placebo, an inactive substance. Eight patients (16%) treated with magnesium developed an irregular heart beat after surgery, compared with 17 patients (34%) who received a placebo. The cardiac index (the amount of blood pumped by the heart) of patients treated with magnesium was significantly higher than that of patients who received a placebo. Magnesium is a mineral that may be necessary for maintaining normal function of the heart and blood vessels.

Usage, Abnormalities, Surgery, Heart, Magnesium, Magnesium (Metal), Heart surgery, Magnesium metabolism

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Management of Ventricular Arrhythmias: Detection, Drugs, and Devices

Article Abstract:

Drug treatment should be adequate for patients at low risk of ventricular arrhythmias but those at high risk may require an implantable defibrillator. Ventricular arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat and can be very serious. Drugs called anti-arrhythmics can suppress this tendency, but they are not effective in people at high risk. These people may benefit from an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or ICD. This small device is surgically inserted underneath the skin of the chest in a manner similar to a pacemaker. It constantly monitors the patient's heartbeat and when it detects an arrhythmia, it sends a small shock to the heart to stop the arrhythmia.

Ventricular fibrillation, Defibrillators, Anti-arrhythmia drugs, Antiarrhythmia agents

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Fish consumption and sudden cardiac death

Article Abstract:

Most medical studies have found that regular consumption of fish may reduce the risk of death from cardiac arrest and other causes. Researchers believe that fatty acids or other components of fish may protect against heart rhythm abnormalities. A few studies have offered conflicting data and raised questions about the health effects of eating a large amount of fish. Physicians should advise their patients to eat one or two servings of fish each week for a healthy reduction in the risk of death.

Editorial, Fish as food, Fish (Food product), Sudden death

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