3. Arrhythmia or Irregular heartbeat
Another sign of hypomagnesemia is irregular heartbeat. Irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can also be accompanied by lightheadedness, breathlessness, pain in the chest or even unconsciousness. In general, arrhythmia is not serious and does not show symptoms. Some may experience heart palpitations. However, if arrhythmia becomes severe, it increases chances of stroke and heart failure. Therefore it is believed that irregular heartbeat is one of the most dangerous symptom of magnesium deficiency.
As mentioned, magnesium deficiency can affect potassium levels in muscle cells and disrupt muscle functions. It could be the same reason affecting proper functions of heart muscles and hence causing arrhythmia. Studies suggest that magnesium supplements can help alleviate arrhythmia in some.
