After an ATTR amyloidosis diagnosis, seeing a cardiologist as soon as possible is strongly recommended. This condition is progressive, meaning it worsens over time, so early specialist involvement can make a real difference in protecting heart function.
A cardiologist will assess how the heart is being affected by running Show Full Answer
After an ATTR amyloidosis diagnosis, seeing a cardiologist as soon as possible is strongly recommended. This condition is progressive, meaning it worsens over time, so early specialist involvement can make a real difference in protecting heart function.
A cardiologist will assess how the heart is being affected by running tests such as:
- Echocardiogram β uses sound waves to check heart wall thickness and how well the heart pumps
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) β checks the heart's electrical activity
- Cardiac MRI β creates detailed images to show where amyloid has built up
- PYP scan β a nuclear imaging scan that can detect ATTR amyloid deposits in the heart The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of slowing the disease before serious damage occurs. Current medications can help stabilize the TTR protein and slow progression, but they generally cannot reverse damage that has already happened.
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen β early action is key to preserving quality of life and protecting the heart and other organs.
July 17