Hypomagnesemia

Hypomagnesemia is a drop in blood magnesium levels below normal. Magnesium plays a role in muscle and nerve function, in heart rhythm, and in the balance of other minerals in the body, so a deficiency can affect several systems.

Common symptoms: It may present with muscle cramps or tremors, weakness, tingling, palpitations, irritability or, in more pronounced cases, heart rhythm disturbances; when mild, it often goes unnoticed.

Common causes: It is usually related to digestive losses from diarrhea or vomiting, kidney problems, intestinal malabsorption, certain diuretic medications, or high alcohol consumption.

Which specialist should you see? Its evaluation falls to the internist and the nephrologist when there is kidney involvement; the infectious disease specialist or the emergency physician step in for acute cases, and the general practitioner can start the evaluation. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to seek professional guidance to identify the cause with the appropriate tests.