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

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes explanations to enhance understanding. Boost your confidence and readiness for the exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

Which condition is associated with selenium deficiency?

Hypertension
Cardiomyopathy
Asthma
Neuropathy

The correct answer is: Cardiomyopathy

Selenium deficiency is notably associated with cardiomyopathy, particularly a form known as Keshan disease. This condition is characterized by an impaired heart function and is primarily influenced by low levels of selenium in the body. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that plays a critical role in several bodily functions, including the enzyme function of antioxidants that protect the heart and other tissues from oxidative stress. When selenium levels are inadequate, the heart muscle can become weakened, leading to structural abnormalities and reduced heart efficiency. The other conditions listed do not have a direct correlation with selenium deficiency. While hypertension, asthma, and neuropathy can arise from various causes, they are not specifically linked to low selenium levels in the same way that cardiomyopathy is.