Magnesium-potassium interactions in cardiac arrhythmia. Examples of ionic medicine

Ionic biology involving Ca2+, Na+, K+ and Mg2+ across the cell membrane and in the development of the action potential is reviewed with reference to cardiac arrhythmia. K+ and Mg2+ deficiency which frequently occur together lead to abnormal ionic transfer of Na+, K+ and Ca2+ with development of automaticity, triggered impulses and reentrant tachycardia. Tachycardia occurring in acute myocardial ischemia, congestive heart failure, hypertensives on diuretics and digitalis toxicity is examined according to the concept of ionic imbalance. A protocol for prevention and treatment of cardiac tachyarrhythmia is proposed with this concept in mind.