Role of serum magnesium in atrial fibrillation: A study from North Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Low levels of serum magnesium have been associated in development of post operative atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the role of magnesium in the development of AF in ambulatory patients is limited. Aim: To evaluate the relation between serum magnesium levels and presence of atrial fibrillation either paroxysmal or permanent. Material and Methods: Hospital-based prospective observational study, between May 2015 and November 2016 in 100 patients (50 cases and controls each) aged ≥ 18years . Admitted patients who had detectable AF on electrocardiography constituted the cases. Patients with any other irregular rhythm , valvular heart disease , history of electrolyte disorder, alcoholism and potassium sparing diuretic use were excluded. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test and Pearson’s correlation analysis was used to examine the possible relations between serum magnesium level and other parameters . A p value of <0.05 was considered for statistical significance. Results: The mean age 65.39 ± 11.4 years and 67.18 ±10.6 in the AF and control group respectively. In the AF group 36% had paroxysmal AF and 64% had permanent AF. The serum magnesium levels were significantly lower in the patients with atrial fibrillation (p <0.01) than in controls. The mean serum magnesium levels in paroxysmal AF were 1.49 ± 0.29 while the mean magnesium levels in permanent AF: 1.66 ± 0.36. (p=0.07). Conclusion: Serum magnesium levels were significantly lower in the patients with atrial fibrillation. Correction of magnesium deficiency may be a potential target for the prevention of development of atrial fibrillation.