Cardiac Amyloidosis

Our heart experts take a multidisciplinary approach to treat cardiac amyloidosis. You can count on us to design a comprehensive care plan that includes an accurate diagnosis, personalized therapy options, and access to innovative clinical trials.

Overview

Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. It happens when misshapen proteins (amyloids) collect in your heart. Your heart muscle thickens and stiffens. As a result, it struggles to pump blood throughout your body.  

There are two main types of cardiac amyloidosis: 

• Light Chain Amyloidosis (AL)—abnormal proteins from bone marrow fold incorrectly and collect in your heart and other organs. AL may be linked to the blood cancer multiple myeloma. 
• Transthyretin Amyloidosis (ATTR)—abnormal proteins from the liver fold incorrectly and potentially cause heart failure in older adults. You may inherit this type of cardiac amyloidosis or it can occur naturally during aging. 

When left untreated, cardiac amyloidosis may cause serious complications, including: 

• Arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Heart failure 
• Kidney failure 
• Stroke 
• Sudden cardiac death 

Risk Factors & Symptoms

Cardiac amyloidosis can be difficult to diagnose. So, it’s important to know your risk factors, symptoms, and related conditions and issues.

Diagnosing Cardiac Amyloidosis

If your doctor suspects you have cardiac amyloidosis, they will recommend one or more of the following tests: 

• Blood test 
• Cardiovascular imaging 
• Urine test 

Comprehensive Cardiac Amyloidosis Care

As the region’s only dedicated cardiac amyloidosis clinic, we deliver the most advanced treatments. Whether your doctor refers you or you need a second opinion, our compassionate, knowledgeable experts will guide you through every step of your heart health journey. When you come to our clinic, you can count on:

• Education—we help you understand cardiac amyloidosis, your care options and long-term management needs. 
• In-depth review—after reviewing your test results and diagnosis, we create a care plan tailored to your needs. 
• On-site genetic testing—we test for genetic variations that help us choose the right treatment for you. 
• Caregiver assistance—we help you secure prior authorization for treatments, ensuring you have timely access to care. 
• Referrals to care—if needed, we can refer you to other heart and vascular specialists. 
• Access to clinical trials—we can connect you with appropriate clinical trial opportunities through The Carl and Edyth Lindner Research Center.