American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What is one of the potential health issues related to decreased selenium levels?

1. Anemia

2. Neuropathy

3. Cardiomyopathies

4. Hypoglycemia

The correct answer is: Cardiomyopathies

Decreased selenium levels are known to be associated with various health issues, one of which is cardiomyopathies, particularly a condition known as Keshan disease. This disease is characterized by a form of dilated cardiomyopathy that occurs in regions with low selenium in the soil and diet. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in antioxidant defense, as well as in maintaining normal cellular function in the heart. A deficiency can lead to impairments in these functions, contributing to the development of heart muscle disease and potentially severe cardiac dysfunction. In contrast, although lower selenium levels could impact various metabolic processes, the direct connections to anemia, neuropathy, or hypoglycemia are less established and not primary concerns associated with selenium deficiency. Therefore, recognizing the link between low selenium and the risk of cardiomyopathy provides important insight into the potential health challenges posed by decreased selenium levels.