Malaria and vascular endothelium

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2014 Aug;103(2):165-9. doi: 10.5935/abc.20140088. Epub 2014 Jul 9.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Involvement of the cardiovascular system in patients with infectious and parasitic diseases can result from both intrinsic mechanisms of the disease and drug intervention. Malaria is an example, considering that the endothelial injury by Plasmodium-infected erythrocytes can cause circulatory disorders. This is a literature review aimed at discussing the relationship between malaria and endothelial impairment, especially its effects on the cardiovascular system. We discuss the implications of endothelial aggression and the interdisciplinarity that should guide the malaria patient care, whose acute infection can contribute to precipitate or aggravate a preexisting heart disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / parasitology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / parasitology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology
  • Humans
  • Malaria / complications*
  • Malaria / physiopathology
  • Plasmodium*