Abstract Introduction Approximately 30% of individuals infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease (CD), develop cardiovascular complications such as arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, aneurysms, and embolisms. These conditions may progress to heart failure (HF) and sudden death. Electrocardiography (ECG), along with the assessment of risk factors and clinical characteristics, is essential for the early detection of these complications. In this context, nursing personnel play a key role in the initial evaluation, follow-up, and treatment of patients. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the ability of nursing professionals to identify cardiovascular complications associated with Chagas disease. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted in two jurisdictions of a Mexican state in 2024. Participants included state health authorities, civil organizations, and the pharmaceutical industry. Two cardiological evaluation campaigns were carried out for patients with a history of T. cruzi infection. All patients participated in the circuit described in Figure 1.Patients were assessed in two consultation rooms: one managed by licensed nurses and the other by a physician, with a cardiologist available for specialized consultations. Data were recorded in a database and analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS. Results A total of 78 patients were evaluated (mean age: 51.5 years; range: 14-87 years). Of these, 56.4% (n=44) were assessed by nurses and 43.6% (n=34) by a physician. Overall, 73 patients (93.6%) had a confirmed diagnosis of T. cruzi infection. Nurses identified key risk factors, including pet ownership and a history of vector bites. Additionally, they detected five cases with a family history of sudden death, 15 patients who had not received antiparasitic treatment, and 14 individuals with ECG abnormalities, including complete right bundle branch block (CRBBB), ventricular extrasystoles (VES), and atrial fibrillation (AF). According to the AHA classification, nursing professionals assessed 26 patients as stage A, seven as stage B, and 11 as stage C. Chagas-related cardiomyopathy was diagnosed in 31 patients, 18 of whom were evaluated by nurses. Notably, 10 of these patients were previously unaware of their cardiac condition. Conclusions This study confirms the efficiency and capability of nursing personnel in assessing patients with T. cruzi infection and identifying cardiovascular complications. The findings highlight the importance of training and formally accrediting nursing professionals in the management of Chagas disease. Integrating nursing into multidisciplinary care enhances early detection, optimizes treatment, and reduces hospital burden, contributing to more comprehensive and patient-centered care.
Lopez et al. (2025) studied this question.