Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Can Malaria Affect Your Heart? Who’s At Risk And How To Stay Protected

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/malaria">Malaria</a></span> is widely known as a mosquito-borne disease that causes fever, chills, and body aches. But what many people don’t realize is that in severe cases, it can also affect the heart.

Malaria is caused by parasites belonging to the <span>Plasmodium</span> genus. It may cause complications beyond the bloodstream. In some cases, this may happen in severe malaria, where either the diagnosis or treatment is late.

<h2>How Malaria Infection Affects The Heart</h2>

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Ravi Prakash, Senior Consultant Cardiology, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, noted that malaria affects different parts of the body, depending on the severity and the patient's immunity.

"In severe malaria cases, the parasite that causes malaria infects the red blood cells, making them sticky. When these stick together, the cells block the flow of blood in smaller <span>blood vessels</span>, limiting oxygenation of important organs, including the heart," Dr Prakash explained.

The condition may then result in myocarditis, arrhythmias, or heart failure. Although these complications rarely affect the heart, they require prompt medical intervention.

Further, Dr. Rakesh Pandit, Senior Consultant &amp; HOD, Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, highlighted that malaria can put stress on the heart either directly or indirectly.

It can lead to inflammation of the heart and result in chest pains, fatigue, or arrhythmia.

"Patients suffering from severe malaria may develop tachycardia or, in worst-case scenarios, experience heart blockage," Dr. Pandit told HealthandMe.

Furthermore, malaria infection may limit the blood flow to the heart by increasing the stickiness of the blood, thus blocking small blood vessels.

"Anemia associated with malaria can increase the load on the patient's heart," Dr Pandit said.

Fever, dehydration, and hypoxia further increase cardiac stress in malaria patients, who may end up having their pre-existing heart conditions unmasked. 

<h2>Malaria: Early Signs Of Heart Damage? </h2>

Early detection is important. Besides classic malaria symptoms such as fever, sweats, shivers, headaches, and tiredness, any unusual symptoms such as chest pains, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeats, or excessive weakness must be considered carefully. 

"These could be signs of organ damage caused by the disease, which means early diagnosis and treatment are vital. Blood tests will be conducted to identify malaria parasites in your body," Dr. Prakash said. 

<h2>Malaria And Heart: Who Is At More Risk </h2>

Some individuals are more susceptible to contracting malaria, which increases their chances of developing complications from the disease. 

<ul><li>children, </li><li>pregnant women, </li><li>the elderly, </li><li>immunocompromised patients. </li></ul> 

"People who have underlying diseases may develop heart-related problems due to the malaria infection," Dr Prakash said. 

Moreover, travelers to malaria-endemic areas without adequate protection from the disease are also likely to be affected. 

The best method to avoid contracting malaria is to take preventive measures.

<ul><li>Individuals must protect themselves from mosquito bites.</li><li>Applying insect repellents, sleeping under mosquito nets, and covering your arms and legs when you go out are effective ways to shield yourself from being bitten.</li><li>Proper hygiene and sanitation practices are necessary to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing.</li><li>Having a good general health status is another preventive measure. Your immune system must be able to combat invading agents.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Malaria

World Malaria Day 2026

Plasmodium

blood vessels

malaria infection affects the heart speaking to

No Appetite, Gas And Bloating? Stomach Cancer Symptoms That Most Patients Miss

Can Malaria Affect Menstrual Health? Understanding Its Impact On Women’s Hormonal Balance

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Malaria is widely known as a mosquito-borne disease that causes fever, chills, and body aches. But what many people don’t realize is that in severe cases, it can also affect the heart.Malaria is caused by parasites belonging to the Plasmodium genus. It may cause complications beyond the bloodstream. In some cases, this may happen in severe malaria, where either the diagnosis or treatment is late.How Malaria Infection Affects The Heart Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Ravi Prakash, Senior Consultant Cardiology, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, noted that malaria affects different parts of the body, depending on the severity and the patient's immunity."In severe malaria cases, the parasite that causes malaria infects the red blood cells, making them sticky. When these stick together, the cells block the flow of blood in smaller blood vessels, limiting oxygenation of important organs, including the heart," Dr Prakash explained.The condition may then result in myocarditis, arrhythmias, or heart failure. Although these complications rarely affect the heart, they require prompt medical intervention.Further, Dr. Rakesh Pandit, Senior Consultant & HOD, Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, highlighted that malaria can put stress on the heart either directly or indirectly.It can lead to inflammation of the heart and result in chest pains, fatigue, or arrhythmia."Patients suffering from severe malaria may develop tachycardia or, in worst-case scenarios, experience heart blockage," Dr. Pandit told HealthandMe.The Role of AnemiaFurthermore, malaria infection may limit the blood flow to the heart by increasing the stickiness of the blood, thus blocking small blood vessels."Anemia associated with malaria can increase the load on the patient's heart," Dr Pandit said.Fever, dehydration, and hypoxia further increase cardiac stress in malaria patients, who may end up having their pre-existing heart conditions unmasked. Malaria: Early Signs Of Heart Damage?  Early detection is important. Besides classic malaria symptoms such as fever, sweats, shivers, headaches, and tiredness, any unusual symptoms such as chest pains, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeats, or excessive weakness must be considered carefully.  "These could be signs of organ damage caused by the disease, which means early diagnosis and treatment are vital. Blood tests will be conducted to identify malaria parasites in your body," Dr. Prakash said.  Malaria And Heart: Who Is At More Risk  Some individuals are more susceptible to contracting malaria, which increases their chances of developing complications from the disease.  These include children, pregnant women, the elderly, immunocompromised patients.  "People who have underlying diseases may develop heart-related problems due to the malaria infection," Dr Prakash said.  Moreover, travelers to malaria-endemic areas without adequate protection from the disease are also likely to be affected. How To Prevent?The best method to avoid contracting malaria is to take preventive measures.Individuals must protect themselves from mosquito bites.Applying insect repellents, sleeping under mosquito nets, and covering your arms and legs when you go out are effective ways to shield yourself from being bitten.Proper hygiene and sanitation practices are necessary to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing.Having a good general health status is another preventive measure. Your immune system must be able to combat invading agents.