Symptom 7. Rhythms of the Heart: Uncovering Cardiac Complications
Among the diverse symptoms of African Trypanosomiasis, one of the lesser-known yet critical ones is the impact on the heart. In the latter stages of the disease, the infection can lead to various cardiac complications, including changes in heart rhythm and structure.
The infiltration of the Trypanosoma brucei parasite into the body’s tissues can affect the heart muscle, leading to myocarditis or inflammation of the heart muscle. This inflammation can disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart, leading to conditions such as arrhythmias. These disturbances can manifest as palpitations, shortness of breath, or even fainting spells, adding another layer to the already complex symptomatology of the disease.
But the parasite’s invasion doesn’t stop there. In some cases, it can lead to alterations in the heart’s structure, leading to a condition known as cardiomyopathy. This change can impact the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms of heart failure. This domino effect of complications further underscores the devastating potential of African Trypanosomiasis. (7)
