HEART DISEASE
Cardiac Amyloidosis (CA)
Amyloidosis with cardiac disorder knows 4 different types: AL (Primary) Amyloidosis, AA (Secondary) Amyloidosis, Wild-Type (Senile) ATTR Amyloidosis and Familial ATTR Amyloidosis.
The rare Cardiac Amyloidosis involves the accumulation of unsoluble proteins that cling to each other like insoluble fibres build up in the heart. The CA diagnosis is often difficult to recognize.
about
of rare diseases have
a genetic cause
(DNA Testing)
Possible signs and symptoms of CA are:
Unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath and severe dizziness when standing up
Severely swollen feet, ankles and lower legs, numbness/tingling in the hands and feet, rapid bruising around the eyes, thickened tongue...
Stiff or thickened heart and heart failure
In the course of life
Cardiac Amyloidosis usually develops in middle age or later, but can also occur at young age. Some types of Amyloidosis may be inherited (Familial ATTR). About 50,000 people worldwide contract Amyloidosis each year. If you’re experiencing some signs and symptoms, it is important to discuss it with your GP or cardiologist so that a cardiovascular examination can be carried out.
according to symptoms and depending on the amyloidosis type
Possible treatments
Medication 1
To inhibit the precursor protein (prevent pathogenic protein in the body)
Medication 2
To stabilize the normal structure of the precursor protein in the body
Cardiovascular examination
Echo
An ultrasound of the heart provides a clear image and sound of the function and shape of the heart muscle and valves.
01
MRI Scan
The MRI examination, which generates radio wave (magnetic) signals, provides a clear picture of the heart (chambers).
02
ECG
In an electrocardiogram, the electrical signals of the heartbeats are properly recorded and can be analyzed.
03
• Cardiovascular examination may also include a blood and urine test, a bone scan and a CT scan.
Discuss it with your GP or cardiologist
If you’re experiencing some signs and symptoms, or if other family members have been found to have a predisposition for the (genetic) heart disease CA, please discuss it with your GP/cardiologist so that additional cardiovascular examination can be assessed.