Cardiac Amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis is a group of diseases caused by deposits of abnormal proteins, or amyloid, in the heart. Cardiac amyloidosis causes the heart to become stiff and makes it difficult for the heart to work properly. This can cause fluid to build-up in the lungs, leading to breathlessness, and fluid build-up in soft tissues leading to the legs, causing abdominal swelling. Because cardiac amyloidosis can cause symptoms that are very similar to other heart diseases, it is often misdiagnosed.

The Cardiac Amyloidosis Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) is the only clinical program of its kind in the U.S. focusing specifically on this disease. Led by Rodney H. Falk, MD, a renowned cardiac amyloidosis expert, this multidisciplinary program draws on the expertise of some of the country's leading cardiology specialists who collaborate on research and patient care at the state-of-the-art Heart & Vascular Center.

Symptoms of cardiac amyloidosis

Because amyloidosis can affect other organs in addition to the heart, the spectrum of symptoms for cardiac amyloidosis can be quite broad, but may include:

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, abdomen and other parts the body
• Fatigue and reduced tolerance for activity
• Difficulty breathing while lying down
• Pressure or dull pain in the chest during exertion, similar to angina
• Shortness of breath during physical activity

Because the symptoms are common to other forms of heart disease like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or heart failure, such as congestive heart failure, a careful physical examination and review of patient history play an important role in diagnosing cardiac amyloidosis.