Revisiting Chagas disease and its cardiac implications: an integrative review study for nursing practice

Goals: Identify relevant aspects found in the literature regarding nursing actions in caring for adults with Chagas cardiomyopathy. Methods: An integrative review was performed. The research was guided by the question: "What information and actions should nurses know about when taking care of adults with Chagas cardiomyopathy?" Results: Eleven articles were identified, published in the last 10 years. This study showed that: patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy have more severe symptoms than with other etiologies of heart failure and higher prevalence of indications for artificial heart pacemakers; there is a knowledge gap among health professionals regarding this disease; and these patients face prolonged hospital stays until heart transplantation with a consequent drop in their quality of life, calling for interventions with a focus on self-management of the disease.  Conclusions: The planning of nursing interventions that result in improved quality of life, symptom control, and increased adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy is essential in the care of patients with Chagas disease. Keywords: nursing, Chagas disease, Chagas cardiomyopath