Alterations of long-chain free fatty acid and magnesium concentrations in acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

Sixteen patients with acute myocardial infarction were subjects of a study of the changes in plasma Mg and long-chain free fatty acid (FFA) levels. In each patient there was a sharp fall of Mg levels and a sharp rise of FFA levels shortly after onset of pain. Mg and FFA values returned to normal within 3 days. An absolute fall in total Mg level and a probable fall in Mg levels in a variety of pathologic and physiologic conditions affords an explanation for divergent changes in FFA and Mg concentrations in acute myocardial infarction. The FFA rise appears to be the primary change and provides an explanation for the previously unexplained fall in Mg levels.