Heart failure secondary to selenium deficiency, reversible after supplementation

Int J Cardiol. 2010 May 28;141(2):e26-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2008.11.095. Epub 2008 Dec 6.

Abstract

Selenium deficiency induced heart failure is a well known disease. The first reported cases were back in 1937 during an epidemic in some rural areas of China (Keshan Disease). It is a potentially fatal disease if untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential since supplementation may reverse the outcome. Patients with non ischemic heart failure deserve a serum selenium level measurement as a part of their work up. We report a case of selenium deficiency induced heart failure reversed after treatment with selenium.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Cachexia / complications
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy*
  • Heart Failure / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Selenium / blood
  • Selenium / deficiency*
  • Selenium / therapeutic use*
  • Trace Elements / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Trace Elements
  • Selenium