Complications

If Chagas disease progresses to the long-lasting (chronic) phase, serious heart or digestive complications may occur. These may include:

• Heart failure. Heart failure occurs when your heart becomes so weak or stiff that it can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs.
• Enlargement of the esophagus (megaesophagus). This rare condition is caused by the abnormal widening (dilation) of your esophagus. This can result in difficulty with swallowing and digestion.
• Enlargement of the colon (megacolon). Megacolon occurs when your colon becomes abnormally dilated, causing stomach pain, swelling and severe constipation.