Serum selenium concentrations show a U-shaped association with all-cause mortality and with cardiovascular mortality in individuals with hypertension [Tan 2021].
This conclusion is based on an analysis of data from 929 individuals diagnosed with hypertension [Tan 2021].
- The average age of the individuals was 63 years plus/minus 13 years.
- Slightly more than half of the individuals were male: 53%.
- The researchers followed the individuals for a mean period of slightly more than ten years: 121 months plus/minus 41 months.
- During the follow-up period, 307 individuals died, including 56 individuals who died from cardiovascular disease.
Quartiles of Serum Selenium Status
For purposes of analysis, the researchers categorized the individuals with hypertension into quartiles of serum selenium concentration [Tan 2021]:
Q1: equal to or less than 124 mcg/L
Q2: 125-135 mcg/L
Q3: 136-147 mcg/L
Q4: greater than 148 mcg/L
Optimal Serum Selenium Levels in Individuals with Hypertension
The researchers compared the data from the serum selenium quartiles and found that the risk of death from all causes and death from heart disease were lowest in the third quartile (serum selenium concentrations between 136 and 147 mcg/L) [Tan 2021].