What are the causes and characteristics of magnesium imbalances?
Hypomagnesemia is caused by prolonged malnutrition and alcoholism, vomiting, gastric suction, severe renal disease, thiazide diuretics, aldosterone excess, and polyuria. Hypomagnesemia causes cognitive and sensory problems, increased tendon reflexes, positive Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs, elevated blood pressure and pulse, dysrhythmias, and electrocardiogram changes. Hypermagnesemia (serum magnesium >2.5 mEq/L) is caused by excessive intake of solutions containing phosphates, hypoparathyroidism, laxatives containing phosphate, and renal insufficiency. Hypermagnesemia causes tetany, muscle weaknesses and paralyses, tachycardia, electrocardiogram changes, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
