My neighbor, a 40 year-old avid runner died after his early morning run. A month prior to that, he had a physical and was told he was in perfect health. What can I do to minimize the risk of sudden death?
The sad fact is that 1 out of 50,000 adults will fall victim to sudden death.
Most sudden deaths have been linked to a thickened, enlarged heart, or by a condition that disturbs the heart rhythm.
When a person sweats, a significant amount of magnesium is lost. Magnesium is the most under recognized electrolyte disorder in the United States, according to Dr. Mildred Selig, a leading authority on magnesium.
According to Michael Brodsky, M.D., assistant professor of medicine and the director of the cardiac arrythmia service at the University of California, mineral imbalance interferes with the heart’s normal nerve function. Dr. Brodsky states that arrythmia therapy should focus on replenishing two key minerals, potassium and magnesium. However, most athletes have been conditioned to consume potassium rich drinks after sweating, but very few have been educated on the danger of magnesium deficiency.
According to Carla Sueta, M.D., PhD, assistant professor of medicine and cardiology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, many doctors still don’t realize the importance that the role of magnesium can play in managing heart problems.
Magnesium deficiency can be induced by the very drugs such as diuretics and digitalis which are designed to help heart problems.
The best way to determine your level of magnesium is by doing the RBC mineral test. The typical serum magnesium test only measures approximately 1% of the magnesium in your body.
The common symptoms of magnesium deficiency are: back pain, neck pain, muscle spasm, anxiety, panic disorders, Raynaud’s spastic vessels, arrythmia, fatigue, eye twitching, vertigo and migraines.
Dr. Glassman is a Board Certified Chiropractic Orthopedists (ACA) and a clinical nutritionist. He can be reached at 623-979-2263 or e-mail your questions to bakdr1@hotmail.com.

