Post by Evan Czulada, MD

Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCM), a heart condition caused by a parasitic infection, is a leading cause of death from heart failure, life-threatening arrhythmias, and debilitating stroke in Latin America. In Bolivia, CCM management is largely constrained not by a lack of medical expertise, but by limited access to essential medical devices and therapies. Shockingly, fewer than 20% of cardiologists have access to life-saving implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). This highlights a critical gap in healthcare resources that affects patient outcomes. The first-ever survey of CCM practice patterns sheds light on these challenges, and you can read our full findings here: https://lnkd.in/eRf9pCNs ================================================= A huge thank you to the JACC Journals for helping us publish this work #OpenAccess and my incredible co-investigators Yazan Alshawkani, MD, Natalia Noya Weise, Adriana Estefania Hernani Rodrigo, Marcelo Andrés Buhezo Chamón, and David Martin within the Chagas Disease Working Group for their dedication to making this research possible. #CCM #Chagas #Cardiomyopathy #Bolivia #HeartFailure #GlobalHealth #MedicalDevices #ICDs #PMs #Cardiology #HealthcareAccess ================================================= My first ever medical research project, this survey is the culmination of a journey that began when I first arrived in Bolivia in June 2022. After navigating many challenges—including IRB approval in two languages, month-long delays due to civil unrest, and other unforeseen setbacks—we’ve finally published our work. But most importantly, we’ve highlighted a critical issue for patients with CCM. This work was born out of our desire to connect with the doctors and healthcare professionals on the ground in Bolivia, to raise awareness about the challenges they face in treating CCM, and to advocate for better care for these patients. Chagas disease will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m hopeful this will be just the first step in many more projects aimed at improving the care and lives of people affected by this condition.