Magnesium (Mg): Why It Is Done
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Why It Is Done
A test for magnesium is done to:
- Find a cause for nerve and muscle problems, such as muscle twitches, irritability, and muscle weakness.
- Find the cause of symptoms, such as low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, muscle weakness, and slurred speech.
- Find the cause of heart problems or trouble breathing, especially in people who have kidney disease.
- Find the cause of a low calcium or potassium level that is not improving with treatment.
- Look for changes in magnesium levels caused by medicines, such as diuretics.
- See if people with heart problems need extra magnesium. Low magnesium levels can increase the chances of life-threatening heart rhythm problems.
- Measure levels when magnesium is being given for medical treatment.
| Last updated: | April 17, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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