Can magnesium deficiency affect the heart?

Can magnesium deficiency affect the heart?

Magnesium deficiency can cause irregularities in heart rhythm. It will also make correction of co-existent potassium deficiency difficult because magnesium is a co-factor for the enzyme which conserves potassium in the kidney. Hence correction often involves supplementation of both magnesium and potassium together. Life threatening ventricular arrhythmias, abnormal rhythms originating from the lower muscular chambers of the heart, can occur in severe magnesium and potassium deficiency. This can lead to cardiac arrest and death if not treated promptly.