Serum magnesium and copper levels in myocardial infarction.

The serum levels and urinary excretion of magnesium and copper were studied in 66 patients with either acute myocardial ischemia or myocardial infarction. Serum for magnesium and copper determinations was obtained daily for three days. The initial serum magnesium levels were normal in patients with ischemia but were low in some patients with myocardial infarction. Patients developing ventricular arrhythmias with myocardial infarction showed the lowest levels of serum magnesium. Copper in the serum appeared elevated in patients developing acute congestive heart failure but the elevation was not statistically significant. These data indicate that a decrease in serum magnesium as evaluated may be associated with ventricular arrhythmias in patients with myocardial infarction; thus continued observations of magnesium levels in the myocardial infarction patient is warranted.