What symptoms outside the heart can develop with cardiac amyloidosis?
Cardiac amyloidosis can affect multiple organs and body systems beyond the heart. Here are the key symptoms you might experience:
Nervous System Issues
- Peripheral neuropathy causing pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in your hands and feet
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What symptoms outside the heart can develop with cardiac amyloidosis?
Cardiac amyloidosis can affect multiple organs and body systems beyond the heart. Here are the key symptoms you might experience:
Nervous System Issues:
- Peripheral neuropathy causing pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in your hands and feet
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (which may appear years before heart symptoms)
- Nerve damage affecting bowel function
Digestive Problems:
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
Physical Changes:
- Enlarged tongue (macroglossia) that may look rippled at the edges, causing difficulty swallowing
- Unintentional weight loss of more than 10 pounds, usually from muscle loss
- Bruising or spontaneous bleeding, especially around the eyes (amyloid purpura)
Other Symptoms:
- Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting episodes
- Kidney problems
- Joint pain and swelling
It's important to note that fluid retention can mask weight loss, so tracking daily weight with your healthcare provider can be helpful. Not everyone experiences all these symptoms, and what you experience depends on which organs are affected.
January 11
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