Zinc Deficiency as a Reversible Cause of Heart Failure

Abstract

Zinc, an essential micronutrient, affects the heart by modulating cardiomyocyte oxidative stress and maintaining myocardial structure, among other mechanisms. In cross-sectional studies, patients with heart failure have often had zinc deficiencies, suggesting effects on the ongoing pathogenesis of heart failure. Low plasma and myocardial zinc levels may cause reversible cardiomyopathy in patients who have nutritional deficiencies. We present the case of a 24-year-old woman with anorexia nervosa and new-onset heart failure whose depressed left ventricular systolic function improved after zinc supplementation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of low plasma zinc levels as the chief cause of cardiomyopathy that resolved after zinc supplementation.