Let’s face it. As we age, things don’t work as well as they used to. Whether it’s subtle changes like a nagging tiredness or puffy ankles, or something more debilitating like a constantly aching, hurting back, the aging body sure lets us know!
But what if it’s more than “just getting older”?
For thousands of Americans over 60, these seemingly normal discomforts and pains could actually indicate a more serious condition. Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) may just be that condition.
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A heart condition that builds amyloid proteins in your cardiac muscle, ATTR-CM is known to stiffen the heart over time. And with that stiffening, all sorts of symptoms can arise. Even more, if left undiagnosed, this condition can go from a mild discomfort to erratic heartbeats, heart failure, and even a shortened lifespan.
But here’s the good news. You can start taking steps today to address this issue before it grows too large. Let’s dive right in…
The Basics of ATTR-CM
Unlike typical heart diseases, ATTR-CM is caused by a protein. Normally, this protein would act in your favor, transporting vital thyroid hormones and vitamin A through your blood. However, in the case of this condition, the protein actually misfolds, leading to dangerous clumps called fibrils.
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When this happens, these fibrils can deposit inside your heart walls, causing them to become thicker and less flexible. From here, your heart struggles to relax and fill with blood, a major issue if left unaddressed.
Overall, there are two types of ATTR-CM. You have the so-called ‘wild-type’ (ATTRwt), which is actually due to aging and is most common in men over 70. Then, you have the hereditary (ATTRv) form, which is caused by genetic mutations that can hit as early as 40 years old.
The tricky part of ATTR-CM is that it can go unnoticed for years. Sometimes, its early stages may manifest as high blood pressure or diabetes-like issues. This is why there’s often a diagnostic delay of up to five years.
Fortunately, with some proactive steps, you can get properly diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
RELATED: 5 Silent Signs of ATTR-CM You NEED to Know
Recognizing the Deceptive Early Signs
Are you getting on in years and starting to notice an unexplained fatigue that never seems to go away? Do your ankles swell by evening, and you attribute it to too much salt in your diet or simply overexerting during the day?
While these symptoms may seem like something else, they very well could be the classic early signs of ATTR-CM.
In fact, fatigue is one of the top early complaints, occurring in 80 percent of such cases. This is more than just feeling a bit worn down, mind you. We’re talking about bone-deep fatigue that totally crushes your energy and leaves you skipping out on things you love.
Swelling, meanwhile, also known as peripheral edema, can stem from the heart’s reduced efficiency. As a result, fluid backs up in the legs and abdomen, making it significantly difficult to stay on your feet.
Another potential clue is a condition called orthopnea, where you have shortness of breath lying down, but feel better sitting up or inclining. In some cases, you may even wake up in the middle of the night, gasping for air.
If you notice these issues consistently, keep a symptom diary. Log the days, times, and any other important aspects of their occurrence. This will make it easier to discuss with your doctor and rule out alternative possibilities.
That said, sometimes, it will take certain red flags before you know for certain…
The Symptoms You CANNOT Ignore
One such issue is an unexplained shortness of breath called dyspnea. This is basically a signal that the heart’s struggling to oxygenate blood. Cardiologists can usually apply a low-voltage electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect the health of your heart’s signals. If the electrical signals are faint, your doctor will likely order more tests.
Another red flag is bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). When someone has ATTR-CM, those amyloid deposits can actually irritate the wrist nerves, leading to numbness and tingling in both hands. This symptom usually occurs 10 years before diagnosis, making it a significant symptom to note.
But it’s not all about the heart and wrists. For instance, autonomic neuropathy can contribute to feelings of dry mouth, constipation, and even dizzy spells on standing. If you have a family history of sudden cardiac death or neuropathy, this is definitely not something to ignore!
RELATED: ATTR-CM: Understanding This Rare But Serious Condition
Getting a Proper Diagnosis
To correctly diagnose ATTR-CM, you need to take a multi-tool approach. This usually means starting with imaging. An echocardiogram is a great thing to get annually, especially if you’re over 65. If the ‘voltage’ of your heart is low and there is thickening of the heart muscle, this is a telltale sign of cardiac issues.
Specialists can also use bone scans. These scans light up the protein in your heart with nearly 90 percent accuracy, and are a great alternative to biopsies. Genetic sequencing is also critical. It can help distinguish the wild-type from the hereditary type, guiding personalized treatment.
If you’re looking for the best places to receive care, search online for “amyloidosis centers.” Many of these advanced locations even use AI-enhanced imaging to flag subtle issues that humans may miss. Overall, it’s a top way to get ahead of potential problems and give yourself some peace of mind!
Because that’s a big part of it. Even if you don’t have ATTR-CM or anything like it, it’s always good to rule it out. You may discover other health issues – minor or major – thereby allowing you to address them appropriately and immediately.
The best way to do this is to be proactive. Again, annual echo screenings are vital, especially if you have a family history of heart conditions. For instance, Black American men over 60 have a higher prevalence of ATTR-CM, making them prime candidates for early screening.
Lifestyle tweaks are also important. You can start by tracking your fluid intake. Apps like MyFitnessPal make this quite easy and allow you to spot patterns, particularly if swelling is an issue. To really get the most out of this, pair your fluid tracking with low-sodium eating—under 2,000 mg/day—and elevate your legs when needed.
Looking for more info and support? Platforms like the Amyloidosis Research Consortium or WomenHeart forums are great ways to connect. You can share stories, learn about exciting new treatments, and arm yourself with critical knowledge for your next doctor appointment.
Although ATTR-CM can feel like a chameleon at times, that doesn’t mean it’ll slip by. Know the red flags, monitor any symptoms, and be proactive about your health. Remember: the condition is quite rare, so there’s no need to stress needlessly over it. Just be mindful, stay informed, and always keep an open eye.
Your heart—and future self—will thank you.
