What is Cardiac Amyloidosis?
Cardiac amyloidosis, sometimes called "stiff heart syndrome," occurs when abnormal proteins called amyloid fibrils accumulate in the heart. This can lead to an abnormal thickening and stiffness of the heart making it less flexible and difficult to pump blood effectively. Over time, this can damage the heart muscle and lead to heart failure.
At the same time, cardiac amyloidosis can cause arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), including atrial fibrillation. Amyloid fibrils can also deposit on the heart valves causing stenosis and leaky valves.
Cardiac amyloidosis is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if it's not treated. However, it can usually be managed with treatment. Current therapies have been proven to help patients live longer and feel better.
Causes
Some types of amyloidosis can be caused by an underlying medical condition; others may be hereditary or have no known cause.
Some common reasons people can develop cardiac amyloidosis include:
- Having a blood cancer, especially multiple myeloma
- Having a chronic inflammatory disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis
- Being on dialysis for multiple years
- Having a family history of amyloidosis
- Age
Cardiac Amyloidosis Symptoms
Symptoms of cardiac amyloidosis may be different depending on how amyloid deposits are affecting the heart, such as through heart failure, arrhythmia, or valvular disease. Symptoms can include:
- Shortness of breath – As the heart's ability to pump blood effectively declines, oxygenated blood can get backed up in the blood vessels around the lungs. This can lead to a sensation of difficulty breathing during activity or at rest.
- Fatigue – As the heart gets weaker, it is less able to pump blood to the muscles and other tissues, which can cause you to tire easily.
- Dizziness or light-headedness – Poor circulation or low blood pressure could mean that not enough blood is reaching your brain. This can cause light-headedness, dizziness, or even fainting.
- A fluttering heartbeat (palpitations) – If amyloid deposits interfere with the electrical signals of the heart, it can cause the heartbeat to become irregular, leading to the sensation that the heart is racing or fluttering.
- Fluid buildup in the abdomen or legs (edema) – As the heart stiffens, it may no longer be strong enough to push blood effectively, especially in distant parts of the body like the legs and feet. This can cause fluid to pool in the lower body.
- Because amyloidosis can also affect other organs and tissues in the body, some people may also experience non-cardiac symptoms including carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal stenosis, tenon ruptures, neuropathy (numbness and tingling in the hands and feet), abdominal bloating, alternating diarrhea and constipation, erectile dysfunction, and low blood pressure.
When to Seek a Specialist
Cardiac amyloidosis is a serious and complex condition that should be treated by a specialist. Your doctor and care team will work with you to create the best treatment plan for your condition.
New research and therapies mean that patients now have more options to help them manage their cardiac amyloidosis, slow the progression of the disease, and minimize damage to their hearts. At Temple Health, you'll be seen by a multidisciplinary team of specialists who can address this condition's different causes and symptoms in one place.
Why Temple Health for Cardiac Amyloidosis
At Temple, we have a team of specialists who can treat your cardiac amyloidosis and help you manage symptoms, so you can get back to your regular activities and improve your quality of life.
Experts at the Temple Heart Failure, Transplant and MCS program offer specialized care for this condition.
At Temple, you’ll get:
- A team of specialists, including board-certified cardiologists; nurse practitioners and nurse navigators with extensive experience in treating cardiac amyloidosis
- Access to the latest diagnostic tools and treatments
- Personalized medicine with a comprehensive treatment plan designed around your unique needs while living with cardiac amyloidosis
Ready for an Appointment?
If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of cardiac amyloidosis, schedule an appointment or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.