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Low magnesium level
Low blood magnesium; Magnesium - low; Hypomagnesemia
Low magnesium level is a condition in which the amount of magnesium in the blood is lower than normal. The medical name of this condition is hypomagnesemia.
Causes
Every organ in the body, especially the heart, muscles, and kidneys, needs the mineral magnesium. It also contributes to the makeup of teeth and bones. Magnesium is needed for many functions in the body, including the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy ( metabolism ).
Metabolism
Metabolism refers to all the physical and chemical processes in the body that convert or use energy, such as:BreathingCirculating bloodControlling bo...
When the level of magnesium in the body drops below normal, symptoms of low magnesium may develop.
Common causes of low magnesium include:
-
Alcoholism
Alcoholism
Alcohol use disorder is when your drinking causes serious problems in your life, yet you keep drinking. You may also need more and more alcohol to f...
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- Chronic diarrhea
- Excessive urination (polyuria), such as in uncontrolled diabetes and during recovery from acute kidney failure
-
High blood calcium level (
hypercalcemia
)
Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia means you have too much calcium in your blood.
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Hyperaldosteronism
Hyperaldosteronism
Hyperaldosteronism is a disorder in which the adrenal gland releases too much of the hormone aldosterone into the blood. Hyperaldosteronism can be pr...
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Malabsorption
syndromes, such as
celiac disease
and inflammatory bowel disease
Malabsorption
Malabsorption involves problems with the body's ability to take in nutrients from food.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCeliac disease
Celiac disease is a condition caused by damage to the lining of the small intestine. This damage comes from a reaction to eating gluten. This is a ...
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Malnutrition
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.
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- Sweating
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
-
Abnormal eye movements (
nystagmus
)
Nystagmus
Nystagmus is a term to describe fast, uncontrollable movements of the eyes that may be:Side to side (horizontal nystagmus)Up and down (vertical nysta...
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- Fatigue
- Muscle spasms or cramps
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will do a physical exam to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
Tests that may be ordered include an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Blood and urine tests that may be done include:
-
Calcium blood test
Calcium blood test
The calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in the blood. This article discusses the test to measure the total amount of calcium in your blo...
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Comprehensive metabolic panel
Comprehensive metabolic panel
A comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...
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-
Potassium blood test
Potassium blood test
This test measures the amount of potassium in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood. Potassium (K+) helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also ...
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Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of low magnesium problem and may include:
- Fluids given through a vein (IV)
- Magnesium by mouth or through a vein
- Medicines to relieve symptoms
Outlook (Prognosis)
Outcome depends on the condition that is causing the problem.
Possible Complications
Untreated, this condition can lead to:
- Cardiac arrest
-
Respiratory arrest
Respiratory arrest
Breathing that stops from any cause is called apnea. Slowed breathing is called bradypnea. Labored or difficult breathing is known as dyspnea....
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
When your body’s magnesium level drops too much, it can be a life-threatening emergency. Call your provider right away if you have symptoms of this condition.
Prevention
Treating the condition that is causing low magnesium can help.
If you play sports or do other vigorous activity, drink fluids such as sports drinks that contain electrolytes to keep your magnesium level in a healthy range.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids that carry an electric charge. Electrolytes affect how your body functions in many ways...
References
Pfennig CL, Slovis CM. Electrolyte disorders. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al., eds.
Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice
. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:chap 125.
Review Date: 4/30/2015
Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
