What is ATTR-CM?
Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis is a disease of the heart muscle. It is caused by a buildup of abnormal proteins (amyloids) in the walls of the heart.
ATTR-CM reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood properly. This can lead to heart failure.
There are two types of ATTR-CM
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ATTR-CM senile
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Caused by the natural aging process
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May affect the heart and nervous system
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More common in men
Although the majority of people who receive this diagnosis are men, ATTR-CM is underdiagnosed in women.
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ATTR-CM hereditary
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It is family oriented
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It is caused by a change in your genes
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It can affect the heart, nervous system, kidneys and other organs.
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The risk factors include
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Family history of heart disease or ATTR-CM
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Old
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Black descent or Afro-Caribbean origin
About one in 25 black Americans carries the V122I gene, which increases the risk of inherited ATTR-CM.
Symptoms of ATTR-CM
Initially, there may be no or only mild symptoms, particularly in senile ATTR-CM.
Symptoms are similar to other conditions such as menopause or do not appear to be related to heart disease.
People with ATTR-CM may experience:
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Difficulty breathing
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swelling of the legs
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Gastrointestinal problems such as: B. Bloating in the stomach
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Irregular or rapid barking
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fatigue
If left untreated, ATTR-CM could require hospital visits, cause complex heart problems and shorten life.
Your nerves can also be affected. Protein buildup in the nervous system can lead to complications such as:
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet
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Neuropathic pain
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Spinal canal stenosis (back pain due to narrowing of the spine)
How is ATTR-CM diagnosed?
In addition to symptoms, your doctor will use diagnostic imaging to determine whether further testing is needed.
Genetic testing can then be used to determine whether the disorder is hereditary.
ATTR-CM may affect more than 400,000 patients worldwide. Yet many people, particularly women, live with the disorder without receiving a diagnosis.
What causes ATTR-CM?
A protein called transthyretin (TTR) is produced in the liver and performs many important functions, including the transport of:
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Thyroid hormone (necessary to regulate your metabolism for health and wellness functions)
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Vitamin A (for eye health)
ATTR-CM occurs when the TTR becomes unstable, collapses, and misfolds.
How is ATTR-CM treated?
ATTR-CM cannot be cured, but treatments can prevent the disease from getting worse and help relieve symptoms.
Types of treatment include:
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TTR silencer
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You could reduce the amount of TTR you have in your body
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TTR stabilizers
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They could increase the amount of TTR in your body
By measuring your TTR level, your doctor can get an idea of how effective your treatment is.
Lifestyle changes are important when living with ATTR-CM
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Eat a heart-healthy diet
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Monitor your sodium intake
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If possible, walk and exercise daily
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Limit alcohol
Wondering if you might have ATTR-CM or if you are at risk for it?
Talk to your doctor about treatment options so you can decide together what is best for you. Early diagnosis and treatment could help slow the progression of ATTR-CM and lead to better clinical outcomes.
This educational resource was created in collaboration with BlackDoctor and with support from BridgeBio.
