Magnesium and potassium administration in acute myocardial infarction

This study included 264 patients with proven acute myocardial infarction who were randomized to either magnesium sulphate, potassium chloride, 10% glucose solution or a placebo containing 200 ml of 2% glucose solution given intravenously, slowly, daily for 3 days in a double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion. The ages varied between 30 and 65 years and 230 were males. Laboratory data such as enzymes, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium were obtained in all the patients before and after the therapy. Age, sex, risk factors and drug therapy were comparable between all the groups of patients. After 4 weeks of follow-up, there was a significant decrease in the total number of complications in group A (52%) and B (30%) patients, who were given magnesium and potassium compared to group C and D, who were administered only 10% glucose and placebo. There was a significant rise in mean serum magnesium and potassium levels in group A and B, respectively, after therapy compared to their mean concentrations before therapy. Although mortality was less in groups A and B, a firm statistical conclusion is not possible due to a lesser number of cases. However, it is possible that magnesium and potassium ions have beneficial effects on ischemia-induced alterations and myocardial metabolism resulting in less complications and mortality in group A and B patients.