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: | Carrie Henley Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: August 1, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
 | Why It Is Done |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
| Results | |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |