Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Author Spotlight: Real-Time Monitoring of Parasite Burden and Host Response
07:59

Author Spotlight: Real-Time Monitoring of Parasite Burden and Host Response

Published on: May 31, 2024

2.0K

Chagas Disease and Heart Failure: An Expanding Issue Worldwide

Felipe Martinez1,2, Eduardo Perna3, Sergio V Perrone4,5

  • 1Cordoba National University, Instituto DAMIC Córdoba, Argentina.

European Cardiology
|July 31, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Chagas disease is spreading globally, primarily damaging the heart and causing heart failure. Early diagnosis and treatment, similar to dilated cardiomyopathy, are crucial for managing this parasitic infection.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Chagas disease, endemic to South America, is a growing global health concern due to migration.
  • The primary impact is cardiovascular, leading to myocardial damage and heart failure.
  • Pathogenesis involves inflammatory reactions in the myocardium and gastrointestinal tract, causing fibrosis, dilatation, and electrogenic system damage.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiology of Chagas disease.
  • To discuss prevention and early diagnosis strategies.
  • To examine the relationship between Chagas disease and heart failure management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of epidemiological data on Chagas disease spread.
  • Analysis of pathogenic mechanisms affecting the cardiovascular system.
  • Evaluation of current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for Chagas heart disease.

Main Results:

  • Chagas disease leads to cardiomyopathy, heart failure, arrhythmias, and heart blocks.
  • Diagnosis requires laboratory tests for parasite detection and cardiac function evaluation.
  • Treatment aligns with dilated cardiomyopathy protocols, focusing on arrhythmias and blocks.

Conclusions:

  • Chagas disease poses an increasing global threat, significantly impacting cardiac health.
  • Effective management requires early detection and treatment strategies.
  • Heart transplantation is an option for end-stage disease.

Keywords:
CardiomyopathyChagas diseaseheart failureimmunoinflammationroadmap

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach07:49

Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach

Published on: July 21, 2023

1.9K
Gene Transfer for Ischemic Heart Failure in a Preclinical Model07:35

Gene Transfer for Ischemic Heart Failure in a Preclinical Model

Published on: May 15, 2011

13.3K

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
783
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
3.0K
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
723
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
277
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
824
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
227