Magnesium in Clinical Practice

Abstract

There have recently been some exciting developments in the understanding and use of magnesium in the context of acute arrhythmias, particularly after acute myocardial infarction. There is good evidence that magnesium given immediately following an acute infarct substantially reduces the incidence of potentially fatal arrhythmias and also reduces the immediate mortality. The role of magnesium in patients receiving long-term diuretics has also been better defined. It is therefore timely that a book on the physiology and pathophysiology of the magnesium ion in health and disease has been written by one of the world's leading experts in the field. This book is a translation of the original French version published in 1985. The book itself is divided into five major sections: (1) "Elements of Magnesium Biology," (2) "Primary Magnesium Deficits," (3) "Secondary Magnesium Deficits," (4) "Magnesium Overload," and (5) "Magnesium and Therapeutics." In addition, it is extensively indexed by both author