[Magnesium in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Review and controversies].

The use of magnesium in the current therapeutics of acute myocardial infarction is controversial. There are theoretical bases on possible benefit mechanisms of action, whereby the magnesium have unique properties of myocardial cyto-protection, mainly reperfusion injury. The fundamental aspects about metabolic vias of magnesium, and the pathophysiologic explanations for the beneficial effect of magnesium included prevention of arrhythmia, antiplatelet effect, prevention of reperfusion injury, coronary vasodilation. Deleterious effects are outlined. The results of the main trials have originated considerable discussions in the world cardiology community. The principal differences between these trials and the possible explanations in order to interpret the results are explained.