Complications of Keshan's Disease

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Complications of Keshan's disease

There are a number of major complications that can arise from untreated and undiagnosed Keshan's disease:

Cardiomyopathy - the most common complication of Keshan's disease is cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle starts to get larger, thicker or more stiff over time and this interferes with the heart's ability to pump blood around the body
Myocarditis - another complications of Keshan's disease is the heart condition myocarditis, which is characterised by inflammation of the heart muscle and this is caused mainly by a viral infection (and the enterovirus coxsackievirus is thought to be responsible), but it can also be caused by an underlying health condition, certain medications or parasitic infestation
Heart failure - the single most severe and life-threatening complication of Keshan's disease is heart failure, where the heart is no longer able to pump blood around the body and it dies

It is really important for anyone who may not be getting an adequate intake of selenium in their diet and who has any of the symptoms of Keshan's disease to visit their doctor and have a blood test to determine if their selenium blood levels are normal. If they are too low, or in the lower end of the normal scale, selenium supplements will be recommended together with another blood test to monitor the treatment.

The earlier any deficiency of selenium is treated, the quicker any adverse effects can be reversed.

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Last reviewed: 29 January 2009 || Last updated: 29 December 2009

Arrhythmia (glossary)
Arrhythmia (health conditions)
Fever (conditions)
Fever (glossary)
Immune system (glossary)
Selenium (minerals)

NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.

Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.

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