[Anti-arrhythmic effect of magnesium cations. Protection against ventricular excitability during cardiotonic therapy]

This study showed the effectiveness of magnesium sulphate during digitalis therapy complicated by ventricular hyperexcitability. 28 patients with cardiac disease and ventricular arrhythmias in heart failure were studied. Magnesium sulphate was given by slow intravenous infusion (30--50 mg/min) twice daily. The anti-arrhytmic action allowed treatment with digitalis until improvement in cardiac function was observed. The mechanism of the action of magnesium sulphate in digitalis--induced arrhythmias is discussed.