How is cardiac amyloidosis different or similar to hATTR?
Cardiac amyloidosis is a condition where amyloid proteins build up in the heart, making it stiff and less able to pump blood effectively. hATTR (hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis) is actually one specific type of amyloidosis that can cause cardiac amyloidosis.
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How is cardiac amyloidosis different or similar to hATTR?
Cardiac amyloidosis is a condition where amyloid proteins build up in the heart, making it stiff and less able to pump blood effectively. hATTR (hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis) is actually one specific type of amyloidosis that can cause cardiac amyloidosis.
Here's how they relate:
hATTR as a cause of cardiac amyloidosis:
- hATTR is caused by mutations in the transthyretin gene that are inherited through families
- When hATTR affects the heart, it becomes a form of cardiac amyloidosis called hereditary ATTR-CM
- hATTR typically affects both the heart and nerves
Other types causing cardiac amyloidosis:
- AL amyloidosis (the most common type) can also affect the heart
- Wild-type ATTR (non-inherited) mainly affects older men over 65
The key difference is that hATTR is a genetic, inherited form that passes down through family members, while cardiac amyloidosis is the broader term describing any type of amyloid buildup in the heart. hATTR generally progresses more slowly than AL amyloidosis but is still very serious.
If you have a family history of hATTR, it's important to let your doctor know, as this affects which diagnostic tests they'll use.
December 10, 2025
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