- Difficulty breathing when lying down
- Difficulty thinking
- Swelling of the ankle, leg, or abdomen
- Constant fatigue
- Dizziness
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Shortness of breath during exercise
- Blood pressure drops upon standing
If you suspect you may have ATTR-CM, or know somebody exhibiting these symptoms, do not dismiss the issue. While no cure exists for the disease, current medications and clinical trials show serious promise.
Many people may confuse symptoms of heart failure with symptoms of ATTR-CM, so it’s always important to speak to your doctor.
RELATED: Amyloidosis: 3 Warning Signs Doctors Don’t Warn Patients About
Talking To Your Doctor About ATTR-CM
Not sure how to approach your healthcare provider about ATTR-CM?
Don’t stress. There are many ways to determine if you have the condition. Various imaging, gene tests, bone scans, and tissue samples may be required, but in the end, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting an accurate diagnosis.
Typically a team of amyloidosis specialists will perform the tests. Because the condition is rare and unique, your primary physician will likely refer you to these experts in the field.
Research shows that Blacks have the highest risk for the genetic mutation that causes ATTR-CM. Fortunately, by catching the issue early, you can slow the progression of the disease, avoiding many of the more serious complications.
Again, while there is no cure or way to remove the amyloids, certain treatments may help reduce the accumulation rate of these proteins.
Which Treatments Work For ATTR-CM?
The most effective treatments may include drugs that bind to the problematic protein. By binding to the protein, medicines like Vyndamax can prevent the protein from misfolding. In other words, stop it from becoming abnormal.
Other medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs have also shown effectiveness. In some cases, you may even find relief with drugs approved for other similar conditions.
While all of this may sound a little unnerving (or downright scary), don’t let that get to you! Simply paying attention to your body can go a looong way. If you notice the aforementioned symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider and explore your options.
With an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment, you can protect your heart and live a healthy, happy life!