Which condition could lead to hypermagnesemia?

Hypermagnesemia is a condition characterized by elevated levels of magnesium in the blood. One of the most common causes of hypermagnesemia is excessive intake of magnesium-containing products, such as antacids. Many over-the-counter antacids and laxatives contain magnesium as a key ingredient, and taking them in large amounts can lead to an overload of magnesium in the body.

This is particularly likely when a person has compromised renal function since the kidneys play a crucial role in excreting excess magnesium. In healthy individuals, the body can typically manage magnesium levels, but excessive supplementation or intake, especially from antacids, can easily lead to hypermagnesemia.

Dehydration can contribute to various electrolyte imbalances, but it is not a direct cause of hypermagnesemia. Heart failure primarily affects fluid balance and may lead to different metabolic abnormalities, but it does not specifically result in elevated magnesium levels unless there is concurrent renal impairment. Stomach ulcers generally require treatment that does not inherently involve excess magnesium, and while some treatments might use magnesium, they do not typically lead to hypermagnesemia unless taken in high doses.