CHAPTER 29: Current Clinical Perspectives of Selenium in Vascular Function and Cardiomyopathy

This chapter critically appraises the current clinical evidence of the role of selenium in cardiovascular health and disease, focusing specifically on vascular function to dissect the mechanistic pathways and potential impact of selenium deficiency on cardiovascular risk, across susceptible patient groups at various stages of the cardiovascular clinical continuum. It also discussed the role of selenium deficiency in cardiomyopathy and heart failure, and the relevant clinical studies and considerations. Incorporating unconventional disease paradigms and contemporary clinical concepts, this chapter aims to provoke ideas and foster understanding of readers, and to unify their knowledge of selenium deficiency from basic science, translational and epidemiological studies with the clinician's perspective. The chapter ends with recommendations based on current clinical evidence, highlights the current knowledge gaps, and proposes directions for future research initiatives.