Tropical diseases of the myocardium: a review

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Tropical Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global health burden.
• Human parasitic infections are widespread, particularly in tropical areas.
• There is growing recognition of the link between tropical parasites and CVDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the most common parasites causing myocardial infections.
• To discuss the role of parasites in tropical endomyocardial fibrosis, trichinellosis, and schistosomiasis.
• To highlight the importance of health systems and socioeconomic factors in managing parasitic CVDs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of frequently reported parasites affecting the myocardium.
• Discussion of specific parasitic infections and their cardiovascular manifestations.
• Exploration of health system and socioeconomic determinants.

Main Results:

• Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease) and Taenia solium (cysticercosis) are key parasitic causes of cardiac disease.
• Other significant parasitic infections include those causing endomyocardial fibrosis, trichinellosis, and schistosomiasis.
• Socioeconomic factors, patient/physician perceptions, and health systems significantly influence disease control.

Conclusions:

• Parasitic infections are critical, often overlooked, causes of cardiovascular disease worldwide.
• Clinicians must be aware of imported parasitic infections as potential cardiac disease etiologies.
• Improving control requires a multifaceted approach addressing health systems and socioeconomic factors.