Keshan disease affects more than 2 per cent population of China
A deficiency of selenium in your body is a major factor in heart failure and heart attack cases, according to experts. Doctors say selenium – an essential trace element that helps enhance various biological functions like development and support of the immune system also regulates oxidative stress.
However, its low intake can impair organ function and cause oxidative stress, which leads to selenium-responsive cardiomyopathy known as Keshan disease. This illness, which affects more than 2 per cent population of China, is a serious condition that can lead to cardiovascular diseases including stroke, cancer, or even death if proper treatment is not given.
How does selenium deficiency lead to Keshan disease?
According to experts, Keshan disease is most common in regions with low amounts of selenium in the soil and, so, in the food that grows in it, further supports this theory.
However, many experts believe a selenium deficiency alone may not be enough to cause Keshan disease. It could, however, contribute to the presence and mutation of the coxsackievirus B3, a human pathogen or virus that researchers have linked to acute heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia, especially in the absence of selenium.
According to a study, more than 80 per cent of those with chronic Keshan disease and 83 per cent of those with acute Keshan disease also had a mutated form of CVB3. This indicates that people with the virus and a selenium deficiency were more likely to develop the condition.
Signs and symptoms of Keshan disease
According to experts, there are four main types of Keshan disease - acute, subacute, chronic, and latent, all of which have symptoms that vary according to every individual battling the condition. However, a few common signs include:
- Cardiogenic shock
- Severe arrhythmia
- Nausea and dizziness
- Chills
- Breathlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing up blood
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Inflammation
- Severe hair loss
- Blood clotting
- Hypertension
- Stroke
Which other organs get critically affected due to Keshan disease?
Thyroid gland
Selenium is extremely critical for converting inactive thyroid hormone into its active form as the deficiency of this mineral causes severe symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
Chronic selenium deficiency increases the risk of thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Muscles
Deficiency of selenium also causes myopathy, or muscle weakness, due to oxidative damage to muscle cells. This manifests as difficulty in performing physical tasks or muscle pain.
Immune system
A lack of selenium can make your immune system weak, causing recurrent infections. Also impairs the function of white blood cells, reducing the body’s ability to fight off pathogens.
Brain
Selenium plays a role in reducing oxidative stress in the brain, which is critical for cognitive health. Deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
How to increase your intake of Selenium naturally?
According to experts, with proper treatment, Keshan disease can become manageable, and in some cases, it may even be reversible. For those battling selenium deficiency, one of the best ways to treat the condition is by increasing the intake of selenium-rich foods. A balanced diet of essential vitamins and minerals can also help you manage this condition. A few of selenium-rich foods include:
- Eggs
- Tuna
- Cod
- Chicken breast
- Oatmeal
- Brown or white rice
- Onions and garlic
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