Thiamine deficiency is a medical condition of low levels of
thiamine (
vitamin B1). A severe and chronic form is known as beriberi. There are two main types in adults: wet beriberi, and dry beriberi. Wet beriberi affects the
cardiovascular system resulting in a fast
heart rate, shortness of breath, and leg swelling.Consequently, patients undergoing diuretic treatment might have compromised
heart function. Supplementation of
thiamine has been reported to improve
cardiac function in patients with congestive
heart failure on long-term treatment with diuretic drugs.
