Beriberi Heart Disease
I. Clinical Manifestations
GLOSSARY
cardiogenic shock extremely low blood pressures in the arteries caused by failure of the heart to eject blood; systolic blood pressure is usually less than 90 mmHg.
effusions accumulation of fluid.
pulmonary edema fluid in the air sacs and alveoli; the lungs become congested and severe shortness of breath occurs.
BERIBERI HEART DISEASE IS CAUSED BY SEVERE thiamine deficiency. This disease is most prevalent in the Far East, however, in the past decade its prevalence has markedly decreased. It occurs mainly in individuals whose staple diet consists of polished rice that is deficient in thiamine but high in carbohydrates.
Diets with a high carbohydrate content require a greater intake of thiamine. White bread enriched with thiamine has helped in this respect. Because alcohol is high in carbo¬hydrate content but deficient in thiamine, some alcoholics become thiamine deficient and weakness of the heart muscle may occur. The disease is also common in fad dieters.
- I. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
Swelling of both legs is caused by edema and may become severe. Pitting edema of both legs may extend up to the