Selenium levels in dilated cardiomyopathy.

Thirty-seven dilated cardiomyopathy cases have been studied and compared with 20 normal controls. Serum selenium levels in relation to coronary risk factors were studied. Serum samples were analysed for selenium, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose levels. Smoking, alcohol intake, positive family history, psychosocial tension, obesity, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and hyperglycaemia were found in the following percentages 27%, 8%, 5%, 73%, 41%, 38%, 81%, 46% respectively in dilated cardiomyopathy patients. Low selenium (< 4.5 micrograms/dl) and HDL cholesterol levels and high total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and glucose levels were observed in dilated cardiomyopathy cases compared to controls. The present results support the concept that low selenium levels along with other risk factors play an important role in developing dilated cardiomyopathy.