Jisela Viedma, Servicio de Cardiología, Althaia, Xarxa Assistencial Universitaria de Manresa, Barcelona, España
Patricia Azañón, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Valme, Sevilla, España
Elena Refoyo, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario La Paz-Carlos III e Instituto de Investigación La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid. España
Ivette Vargas, Departamento de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario San Francisco Xavier, Sucre, Bolivia
Jorge Castro, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Can Misses, Ibiza, España
Tomás Ripoll-Vera, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Son Llatzer e Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Islas Baleares (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, España
Introduction: Chagas disease remains a major public health issue in Bolivia, worsened by limited healthcare resources. The “Reto Chagas” campaign by SECoopera launched an intervention for pacemaker implantation. Method: In November 2024, Spanish cardiologists traveled to Sucre with 25 donated pacemakers and a portable echocardiography device. Patients were evaluated, pacemakers implanted, and local staff received training. Results: A total of 73 patients were treated (67% women, mean age 52), 59% of whom had Chagas disease. There were 145 interventions: 43 consultations, 20 pacemaker checks, 58 echocardiograms, and 24 surgeries. Main indications included advanced AV block, sinus node dysfunction with syncope, and slow atrial fibrillation. Pathological echocardiographic findings were present in 63% of cases. Conclusions: This initiative highlights how international cooperation can enhance cardiac care in resource-limited settings, with significant benefits for vulnerable populations affected by serious cardiac conditions.
Keywords: Chagas disease. Pacemaker. International cooperation. Cardiology. Bolivia.