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The role of selenium deficiency in occidental dilated cardiomyopathy
H Ikram1, I G Crozier, M Webster
1Cardiology Department, Princess Margaret Hospital, Christchurch.
Insights
This study found that whole blood selenium levels in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were not deficient. These findings do not support selenium deficiency as a cause of this heart condition in New Zealand.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy is a significant cardiac condition.
- Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties.
- Previous hypotheses suggested a link between selenium deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whole blood selenium concentrations in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
- To determine if selenium deficiency is a causative factor in dilated cardiomyopathy in New Zealand.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of whole blood selenium concentrations.
- Comparison of selenium levels in dilated cardiomyopathy patients, coronary heart disease patients, and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- The mean selenium level in dilated cardiomyopathy patients was 59 ng/mL (SD 14).
- Patients with coronary heart disease had lower mean selenium levels (44 ng/mL, SD 9.7).
- Normal controls exhibited higher mean selenium levels (78 ng/mL, SD 20.1).
Conclusions:
- The observed selenium levels do not support the hypothesis of selenium deficiency as a primary cause of dilated cardiomyopathy.
- Further research may be needed to explore other etiological factors for dilated cardiomyopathy in the New Zealand population.
Abstract:
The whole blood selenium concentrations were measured in 14 consecutive cases of catheter-proven dilated cardiomyopathy. The mean range of selenium was 59 ng/mL (SD 14). Patients with coronary heart disease had a mean value of 44 ng/mL (9.7) and normal controls had 78 ng/mL (20.1). These results would not support the hypothesis that selenium deficiency is an important causative agent in dilated cardiomyopathy in New Zealand.