Chagas Cardiomyopathy: An Update of Current Clinical Knowledge and Management: A Scientific Statement From the

Circulation
|October 26, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is increasingly prevalent in non-endemic areas like the US. Healthcare providers need updated guidance on diagnosing and managing this parasitic infection, especially its cardiac complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, is a significant cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
  • Once considered tropical, it now affects over 300,000 in the US and is rising in non-endemic regions.
  • Urgent need for healthcare systems outside Latin America to recognize, diagnose, and treat Chagas disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Increase global awareness of Chagas disease among healthcare providers.
  • Provide updated information on diagnosis, screening, and treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi infection.
  • Focus on cardiovascular manifestations and management of Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Main Methods:

  • Commissioned statement by the American Heart Association and Inter-American Society of Cardiology.
  • Summarizes current knowledge and practices in Chagas disease diagnosis and management.
  • Includes quick reference tables for suspected or confirmed cases.

Main Results:

  • Chagas disease presents significant cardiovascular risks including heart failure, stroke, and arrhythmia.
  • Growing prevalence in the US necessitates improved diagnostic and treatment protocols.
  • Updated guidance is crucial for managing Chagas cardiomyopathy in diverse settings.

Conclusions:

  • This statement aims to enhance recognition of Chagas cardiomyopathy in low-prevalence areas.
  • Improve the care and management of patients with Chagas heart disease globally.
  • Equip healthcare providers with essential knowledge for Chagas disease patient care.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management01:29

Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management

Assessment: Nursing management of patients with cardiomyopathy begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's history, including a family history of cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death, personal history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and any alcohol consumption or drug use.During the physical examination, assess vital signs, look for signs of heart failure (such as edema, jugular venous distention, and cyanosis), auscultate for abnormal heart sounds (like murmurs and gallops),...
356
Scientific Laws and Theories02:31

Scientific Laws and Theories

Scientific Laws
88.3K
The Scientific Method03:50

The Scientific Method

Chemistry is an empirical science. Scientists often pose questions to understand the chemistry in everyday life and seek answers to these questions. To achieve this, scientists follow a definitive series of steps that together make up the Scientific Method. This approach involves making observations, asking questions, building a hypothesis, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and forming a conclusion. 
66.3K
The Scientific Method01:32

The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a detailed, empirical problem-solving process used by biologists and other scientists. This iterative approach involves formulating a question based on observation, developing a testable potential explanation for the observation (called a hypothesis), making and testing predictions based on the hypothesis, and using the findings to create new hypotheses and predictions.
Generally, predictions are tested using carefully-designed experiments. Based on the outcome of these...
266.3K
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
568
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
353