[A role of magnesium: magnesium in the therapy for cardiovascular diseases].

Magnesium (Mg(2+)) is well known as a natural Ca channel blocker, and has various actions to benefit for the cardiovascular system. The point of action is culminated to (1) Ca antagonism, (2) beta-adrenoceptors blocking action, and (3) anti-platelet action. Because Mg(2+) is one of physiology materials, more ideal effect can be expected than Mg(2+). On the other hand, in the new large-scale clinical trial of acute myocardial infarction (MAGIC), Mg(2+) was not able to show the expected outcomes although Mg(2+) is an important co-factor of 5'-nucleotidase activity which is a production enzyme of adenosine and may show cardioprotective effect through adenosine production increase. Therefore, we must say that we need further investigation on the role of Mg(2+) on the cardiovascular protection.