A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON EXPLORING MICRONUTRIENT DEFICIENCY IN NON-ISCHEMIC CARDIOMYOPATHY AMONG THE YOUNG: POTENTIAL FOR CORRECTION

Aman  Sinha; Satish K

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1031

Authors

Aman Sinha MBBS, MD Medicine, DM Cardiology, DrNB Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Science & Research, Bangalore, India
Satish K Professor, MD, DM, Department of Cardiology, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Science & Research, Bangalore, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.1031

Keywords:

Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy, Micronutrient Deficiency, Young Adults, Nutritional Intervention, Cardiac Function, Vitamin D, Iron, Magnesium

Abstract

Background

Micronutrient deficiencies are increasingly recognized as significant yet often overlooked factors in the pathogenesis and progression of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), especially among young populations. This study aims to explore the prevalence and effects of micronutrient deficiencies in young patients with NICM, assessing the relationship between micronutrient levels and disease severity, and evaluating the efficacy of nutritional interventions.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling 64 participants aged 18-35 diagnosed with NICM. Exclusion criteria included ischemic heart disease, primary valvular heart disease, and chronic diseases affecting micronutrient levels. Baseline assessments included medical history, physical examination, dietary assessment, blood tests for key micronutrients, and cardiac imaging. Participants with identified deficiencies received tailored supplementation plans. Follow-ups were conducted monthly, with repeat assessments at 6 and 12 months.

Results

At baseline, 56% of participants had at least one micronutrient deficiency, with vitamin D being the most common. After 6 months of supplementation, significant improvements in micronutrient levels and mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were observed (from 45% to 52%, p < 0.001). Quality of life improved significantly, and a reduction in cardiovascular event rates was noted, although not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study highlights the high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among young individuals with NICM and demonstrates that tailored nutritional interventions can significantly improve cardiac function and quality of life. These findings underscore the importance of screening for and addressing micronutrient deficiencies in this population, suggesting a potential avenue for improving cardiovascular outcomes in NICM.

Recommendations

Healthcare providers should screen young NICM patients for micronutrient deficiencies and incorporate tailored nutritional interventions into their management. This can potentially improve cardiac function and quality of life, though further research is needed to establish comprehensive guidelines.