A patient with a new onset of systolic ejection murmur should be assessed for which nutritional deficiency?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A new onset of systolic ejection murmur is often associated with anemia caused by folate deficiency. Folate is important for the synthesis of DNA and erythropoiesis, and a deficiency can lead to impaired production of erythrocytes, which can cause anemia. Anemia can also lead to an increase in cardiac output and cause a systolic ejection murmur. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause anemia and a systolic ejection murmur, but folate deficiency is more common. Vitamin C and niacin deficiencies do not typically cause a systolic ejection murmur.

A Patient with a New Onset of Systolic Ejection Murmur