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Living with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) means your heart may not pump blood as well as it once did. That can make everyday habits, including what you eat, an important part of your overall healthcare plan.
There’s no specific diet for ATTR-CM, but a balanced, heart-healthy eating plan may help manage symptoms such as swelling and fatigue. Here are some foods that support heart health and nutrition tips to consider if you’re living with ATTR-CM.
Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy is a type of amyloidosis that can lead to serious heart-related symptoms, including an irregular heartbeat and cardiomyopathy (problems with the heart muscle). It may also cause heart failure symptoms, such as leg swelling and shortness of breath.
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Lifestyle changes, including healthy eating habits, may help manage these symptoms and support overall well-being and heart health.
Nutrition can play an important role in overall health and symptom management. A heart-healthy diet focused on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help support overall nutrition when living with ATTR-CM.
Eating smaller, balanced meals and getting enough fiber and fluids may also help manage some digestive symptoms such as constipation.
It’s also important to limit high-sodium foods, including canned soups, deli meat, chips, and crackers. Too much sodium can worsen heart failure symptoms such as fluid retention and swelling.
Many doctors and researchers recommend limiting sodium to 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams per day if you have ATTR-CM, but your healthcare provider can determine what’s right for you. It may also help to cut back on foods and drinks with added sugar, such as candy, cakes, and sugary beverages. Fried foods, full-fat dairy products, alcohol, and caffeine are also best limited or avoided.
One MyAmyloidosisTeam member shared, “I definitely need to control my salt intake. I love to cook but fry a lot. I use olive oil, but it’s still fried. I’ve been having bad acid reflux for months now. I’m really going to watch what I eat from now on.”
Below are five heart-healthy foods to add to your diet.
Whole grains may help support healthy cholesterol levels and weight management, both of which are important for heart health. Examples of whole grains include:
Whole grains contain all parts of the grain — the bran, germ, and endosperm. Refined grains, such as white bread and white rice, have the bran removed, which takes away most of the fiber. High-fiber diets are linked to a lower risk of heart and blood vessel disease.
If you have ATTR-CM, check food labels for sodium content. Some grain-based foods, such as popcorn and crackers, can be high in sodium.
Legumes include lentils and many types of beans — such as black, kidney, pinto, lima, and navy beans. These foods provide fiber and important minerals, making them part of a heart-healthy diet. Legumes are a good source of plant-based protein, a lean protein often recommended instead of red meat or processed meat.
Canned legumes can be high in sodium. Choose low-sodium options when possible, or rinse canned beans before serving. You can also cook dried beans without adding salt to help reduce sodium.
If ATTR-CM causes digestive problems, try starting with small portions of beans and other legumes to see how your body responds.
Nuts and seeds may help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol) and support healthy levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good” cholesterol), making them part of a heart-healthy diet.
Research suggests that eating about half an ounce of nuts and seeds a week may reduce the risk of heart disease by about 20 percent compared with not eating any. Choose unsalted or low-sodium options when possible.
Nuts and seeds also provide nutrients that support heart health, including magnesium and calcium. To get a variety of nutrients, try different types, such as:
One MyAmyloidosisTeam member shared, “I probably spend literally $30-plus a month on nuts. Brain and HEART ❤️ HEALTH. Almond butter supposedly has good reviews if you have polyneuropathy, as I do.”
Nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, also support heart health. These fats are found in foods such as oily fish, canola oil, and sunflower oil.
Healthy fats may help improve cholesterol levels and support healthy blood pressure.
They’re also high in calories. This may be helpful if you’re experiencing unintentional weight loss, but portion sizes may need to be adjusted if you’re trying to lose weight.
Staying hydrated is important for overall health. If you have ATTR-CM, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations about how much fluid is right for you. In general, aim for about 64 ounces a day, but you may need to limit your intake if you have swelling or edema.
When increasing fiber from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, it’s important to drink enough fluids. Getting more fiber without enough fluids can make constipation worse.
It may help to limit or avoid caffeinated drinks, especially if you have ATTR-CM and an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Alcohol is also best limited or avoided because it can contribute to dehydration and may affect heart health.
Fruits and vegetables can help with hydration, too. Eating the recommended two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables per day may provide up to 15 ounces of fluid along with fiber and other nutrients. Hydrating options include:
One MyAmyloidosisTeam member shared their nutrition tips: “Fruits and vegetables. High-fiber foods definitely, which both of these have. Not as much animal protein. Eat a variety of multicolored foods, of course reducing fried foods and sweets to a minimum.”
On MyAmyloidosisTeam, members share their experience with amyloidosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Do you have a favorite meal or recipe that works with your ATTR-CM symptoms? Let others know in the comments below.
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