TRACE ELEMENT IMBALANCES AND CARDIOVASCULAR ADAPTATION IN ADOLESCENTS WITH NEUROCIRCULATORY DYSTONIA IN IODINE-DEFICIENT REGIONS

Abstract

Adolescents living in iodine-deficient environments are predisposed not only to thyroid dysfunction but also to a spectrum of cardiovascular regulatory disorders. Neurocirculatory dystonia (NCD), a functional disorder of the autonomic nervous system, is frequently observed in this group and is often aggravated by trace element imbalances. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between disturbances in trace element metabolism and cardiovascular adaptation in adolescents with NCD residing in iodine-deficient regions. A total of 110 adolescents with clinically confirmed NCD were compared with 35 healthy controls. Serum levels of iodine, selenium, zinc, copper, and magnesium were analyzed, along with thyroid function profiles and indices of cardiovascular regulation. Results demonstrated a consistent pattern of decreased iodine, selenium, and zinc, accompanied by altered magnesium and increased copper concentrations. These changes were associated with subclinical thyroid dysfunction, reduced heart rate variability, and elevated autonomic reactivity. The findings indicate that the combination of iodine deficiency and secondary trace element imbalances plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of NCD, highlighting the need for integrated therapeutic and preventive strategies.