[Relationship between selenium deficiency and high mortality and morbidity of cardiovascular diseases]

The authors consider the role of selenium deficiency to be of the utmost importance in the deteriorating health status of the Hungarian population. The pathophysiological processes occurring in selenium deficiency and possibly leading to cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases are discussed in detail. The results of human studies investigating the relationship between vascular diseases and selenium deficiency are summarized. It is concluded that selenium deficiency together with other harmful (prooxidant) effects may be responsible for the poor health status of the Hungarian population and therefore the importance of long term selenium supplementation in the prevention of such diseases is stressed.