Magnesium (Mg)

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.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: April 17, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine
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