Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Keshan disease
Medically reviewed by Dr. Otari Nergadze, Neurosurgeon | Updated: January 2026
Keshan disease: A condition caused by deficiency of the essential mineral selenium. Keshan disease is a potentially fatal form of cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle). It was first observed in Keshan province in China, and it has since been found in other areas where the selenium level in the soil is low. Treatment involves selenium supplementation.