MOLDS AND THE HEART

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MOLDS AND THE HEART

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Molds (fungi) produce many allergens and toxins (mycotoxins) which can cause

allergic and toxic reactions in many areas of the body. Mold allergens are

common triggers for asthma, nasal problems (rhinitis) and skin irritation.

Candida and other yeasts frequently infect the mouth, throat, intestines and

urinary/sexual organs, where they can cause many health problems.

Mold infections of the heart are rare, but they can cause a potential life

threatening infection called fungal endocarditis. The most common mold genera

which can infect the heart are Aspergillus and Candida.

Many bacterial species can also cause bacterial endocarditis. Mold most

commonly infects the valves of the heart, but can also infect the lining of the

heart chambers and the heart muscle itself. Fungal endocarditis is especially

common in patients with damaged heart valves (such as patients who had

rheumatic fever in the past), with previous heart surgery or patients who are

immunosupressed- such as those with HIV/AIDS, certain cancers, like

leukemia/lymphoma, or who are on immunosuppressive drugs. Patients are at

increased risk of

mold/bacterial endocarditis following dental surgery.

Fungal endocarditis can produce fever, chills, weakness, body aches, chest

pain, unexplained weight loss, heart murmur, heart failure and systemic mold

infection throughout the body. Treatment often requires surgery and/or long

term treatment with strong anti-mold drugs like amphotericin or caspofungin.

Patients who recently underwent heart surgery and/or immunosuppressive drugs

should be especially careful to avoid exposure to mold in their environment.

Such patients should avoid moldy or wet areas in buildings and also avoid

moldy hay/compost or other decaying vegetation.

Relatively little is known about the effects of mold allergens and

mycotoxins on the human heart and cardiovascular systems. High levels of

Aflatoxin and

Trichothecene mycotoxins given to experimental or farm animals have caused

heart damage and heart cancer (Aflatoxins are produced by some Aspergillus

species, while Trichothecenes are produced by some Fusarium and Stachybotrys

species). High levels of mycotoxins given to animals during pregnancy have also

caused heart defects in the developing young. Much more research on the

effects of mold and fungi on the heart is needed.

Luke Curtis MS, MD, CIH