English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In myocardial infarction, there occurs functional deficit of available magnesium due to trapping of free magnesium in adipocytes. Magnesium has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute myocardial infarction and its complications. Magnesium ions are considered essential for the maintenance of functional integrity of myocardium. The serum magnesium concentration was found to have great significance in acute myocardial infarction. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prognostic value of serum magnesium in acute myocardial infarction. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To evaluate serum magnesium concentration in patients with acute myocardial infarction within 24 hours of presentation and on 7 th day post myocardial infarction. 2. To evaluate validity of serum magnesium as prognostic indicator in acute myocardial infarction. METHODS AND MATERIALS: All cases admitted over a period of 2 years were taken as time bound study (Approximately 50-70 cases by hospital statistics). Serum magnesium was estimated by spectrophotometric method. Difference in serum magnesium levels within 24 hours and on the 7th day were calculated. These values were compared with the control values. RESULTS: We observed statistically significant lower serum magnesium concentration at onset in comparison to control. Serum magnesium gradually raised to normal value by 7 th day. Further, mean serum magnesium on the 1 st and 7 th days in complicated cases was lesser than uncomplicated cases. Difference in serum magnesium levels within 24 hours and on the 7 th day were calculated using Z test and P value was then calculated. These values were compared with the control values. CONCLUSIONS: Serum magnesium levels were found to be lower in acute myocardial infarction cases at presentation within 24 hours as compared to matched controls. Serum magnesium levels were lower in acute myocardial infarction with complication, when compared with acute myocardial infarction without complication. Serum magnesium levels were very low in patients of acute myocardial infarction who expired. Serum magnesium levels raised towards normal values by 7th day. So it can be concluded that measurement