Endemic Cardiomyopathy Link to Selenium Deficiency
Endemic cardiomyopathy, observed particularly in children in specific regions, is closely linked to a deficiency of the essential trace mineral selenium.
This condition is often known as Keshan disease. It underscores the vital role selenium plays in protecting heart cells from damage.
Selenium is crucial for antioxidant enzymes that prevent oxidative stress in the heart muscle. A lack of selenium impairs the heart's ability to function correctly, leading to cardiomyopathy.
Therefore, the deficiency associated with endemic cardiomyopathy in children is selenium.
Important Questions from General Clinical Conditions
- The height of the Jugular Venous Pulse is determined by :
- The SA node is situated at the junction of:
- Reverse splitting of second heart sound is most commonly seen in :
- A 70-year-old man with dyspnoea on exertion has been found to have a single second heart sound and a loud diamond-shaped, rough quality systolic murmur best heard at the right $2^{nd}$ intercostal space, radiating to the right carotid artery. Which one of the following is the likely diagnosis ?
Consider the following statements with regard to pulmonary embolism :
1. Unexplained breathlessness is the most common symptom.
2. When congestive heart failure or pneumonia fail to improve despite standard medical treatment, occult pulmonary embolism should be considered.
3. Patients with high clinical likelihood of venous thromboembolism should first undergo D-dimer testing alone without obligatory imaging tests.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
