What can you expect with cardiac amyloidosis?
Cardiac amyloidosis occurs when abnormal proteins called amyloids build up in your heart, making the heart muscle thick, stiff, and weak. This affects your heart's ability to fill with blood and pump it efficiently throughout your body.
You may experience several symptoms Show Full Answer
What can you expect with cardiac amyloidosis?
Cardiac amyloidosis occurs when abnormal proteins called amyloids build up in your heart, making the heart muscle thick, stiff, and weak. This affects your heart's ability to fill with blood and pump it efficiently throughout your body.
You may experience several symptoms, though not everyone has all of them:
* Shortness of breath, even during light activity or at rest
* Heart palpitations or chest pressure
* Swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, and abdomen
* Persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
* Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting episodes
* Enlarged neck veins
Some people also experience symptoms beyond the heart, including:
* Unintentional weight loss (more than 10 pounds)
* Bruising, especially around the eyes or face
* Constipation or diarrhea
* Foamy urine or reduced urination
* Carpal tunnel syndrome (sometimes appearing years before heart symptoms)
Cardiac amyloidosis often progresses quickly, so monitoring your heart health regularly is important. Your doctor may use imaging tests like echocardiograms or MRIs to track how your heart is functioning.
While there's currently no cure, treatments are available to slow disease progression, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life. Your treatment will depend on your specific type of amyloidosis (AL or ATTR).
Early diagnosis and treatment give you the best chance for better outcomes, so contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
April 23
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