SELENIUM AND OTHER PLASMA ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS IN CORONARY HEART-DISEASE

A prospective epidemiological study of 114 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization and angioplasty for chest pain was undertaken to examine the relationship between six plasma metal concentrations and coronary heart disease (CHD). The plasma concentrations of selenium, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, and iron in patients with and without CHD were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry or by wet chemistry. The plasma element concentrations were then reviewed for any correlation with CHD. We observed a significant, inverse relationship between plasma selenium concentration and CHD. Although the mean plasma concentrations of potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc were lower in the patients with CHD, no significant correlation could be determined. If plasma selenium levels are monitored and dietary supplements to selenium-deficient patients are administered, the potential risk of CHD may be diminished.