Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026
09:23
Parasite Induced Genetically Driven Autoimmune Chagas Heart Disease in the Chicken Model
Published on: July 29, 2012
14.4K
Chagas Disease-induced Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Michael M Neeki1,2, Michelle Park1, Karan Sandhu1
1Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Colton, California.
Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
|June 1, 2018
Summary
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major risk in Chagas disease (ChD). Early recognition of Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCM) in emergency settings can significantly reduce SCD risk in infected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of mortality in Chagas disease (ChD).
- An estimated 10-15% of over 300,000 individuals with ChD in the U.S. have undiagnosed Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCM).
- CCM significantly elevates SCD risk, but early intervention can reduce this risk by 95%.
Observation:
- Emergency physicians encounter patients with undiagnosed CCM presenting with sudden cardiac arrest.
- A case is presented of a patient in pulseless ventricular tachycardia with a previously unrecognized history of CCM.
Findings:
- Undiagnosed Chagas cardiomyopathy is a critical, often overlooked, factor in sudden cardiac arrest cases.
- Vigilance for CCM signs and symptoms in emergency departments is crucial for at-risk populations.
Implications:
- Enhanced awareness and diagnostic approaches for CCM in emergency settings can improve patient outcomes.
- Prompt identification and treatment of CCM can prevent SCD in Chagas disease patients.
- This case highlights the need for increased screening and recognition of CCM among patients presenting with cardiac emergencies.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Cardiac Output II: Effect of Stroke Volume on Cardiac Output
3.5K
Cardiac output (CO), the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute, is a parameter in cardiovascular physiology determined by stroke volume and heart rate. Stroke volume, the amount of blood pushed from one of the ventricles per heartbeat, is influenced by preload, afterload, and contractility.
Preload
Preload refers to the initial elongation of the cardiac myocytes before contraction and is related to the volume of blood filling the heart at the end of diastole, or end-diastolic volume. The...
Preload
Preload refers to the initial elongation of the cardiac myocytes before contraction and is related to the volume of blood filling the heart at the end of diastole, or end-diastolic volume. The...
3.5K
01:19Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
2.7K
Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart...
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart...
2.7K
01:13The Cardiac Cycle
98.5K
The heart beats rhythmically in a sequence called the cardiac cycle—a rapid coordination of contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole).
The Process
Electrical signals—sent from the sinoatrial (SA) node in the right atrial wall to the atrioventricular (AV) node between the right atrium and right ventricle—cause both atria to simultaneously contract. When the signal reaches the AV node, it pauses for approximately a tenth of a second, allowing the atria to contract and...
The Process
Electrical signals—sent from the sinoatrial (SA) node in the right atrial wall to the atrioventricular (AV) node between the right atrium and right ventricle—cause both atria to simultaneously contract. When the signal reaches the AV node, it pauses for approximately a tenth of a second, allowing the atria to contract and...
98.5K
01:29Cardiac Cycle
13.1K
The cardiac cycle refers to the sequence of events that occur in the heart from the beginning of one heartbeat to the next. It's characterized by alternating periods of contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole) of the heart muscles.
During the cardiac cycle, blood flow through the heart is regulated entirely by changing pressure gradients. This sequence of events begins with the heart in a state of total relaxation, known as mid-to-late diastole, during which blood passively flows from...
During the cardiac cycle, blood flow through the heart is regulated entirely by changing pressure gradients. This sequence of events begins with the heart in a state of total relaxation, known as mid-to-late diastole, during which blood passively flows from...
13.1K
01:30Cardiac Action Potential
6.7K
Cardiac action potentials are essential for proper heart function, enabling the rhythmic contractions needed for adequate blood circulation. Nodal cells and Purkinje fibers, specialized for electrical conduction, generate these action potentials.
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials
6.7K
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
2.0K
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health, with aerobic exercises being particularly effective. According to the American Heart Association, 150 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic exercise per week is recommended for a healthy heart. Aerobic activities may include brisk walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and swimming, ideally performed three to five times per week.
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
2.0K