Recognize signs and symptoms of ATTR amyloidosis (ATTR)
Continuous amyloid deposit buildup can lead to various symptoms and conditions, including cardiomyopathy and polyneuropathy:
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ATTR with cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) means the buildup of amyloid deposits causes the heart muscles to thicken and makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood to other parts of the body
- Cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure, commonly experienced as shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, and swelling of the legs—each of which may limit physical activity
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ATTR with polyneuropathy (ATTR-PN) means the buildup of amyloid deposits damages the nerves affecting sensation, movement, strength, and bodily functions, such as digestion, urination, and sexual function
What are possible symptoms of ATTR?
Talk to your doctor if you think you may be experiencing symptoms of ATTR. Make sure to mention all of your symptoms, even if they seem unrelated.
Symptoms related to the heart
- Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Fainting
- Leg swelling (edema)
Symptoms related to nerves in hands, feet, arms, and legs
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Burning pain
- Loss of sensitivity to temperature
- Loss of movement control
- Weakness
Symptoms related to control over bodily functions
- Digestive issues (nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation)
- Dizziness upon standing
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Abnormal sweating
- Sexual dysfunction
- Unintentional weight loss
Symptoms related to the muscles, joints, and tendons
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Biceps tendon rupture
- Rotator cuff injury
- Osteoarthritis
- Trigger finger
This is not a complete list of symptoms that may be experienced by people with ATTR. Each person has a different experience, and you may not have all of these symptoms, or you may not have them at the same time.
What are some of the signs of ATTR?
Signs that you may have ATTR may include:
- Having heart failure and a history of other conditions unrelated to the heart, such as nerve damage, biceps tendon rupture causing a sudden sharp pain in the elbow or shoulder, and/or carpal tunnel syndrome
- Heart failure that doesn’t get better with common medicines prescribed by your doctor
- Experiencing symptoms of nerve damage, such as a loss of sensitivity to temperature, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, digestive issues, and sexual dysfunction.
Symptoms that affect the muscles, joints, and tendons may appear years before symptoms of heart failure in people living with ATTR.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, especially in both wrists, may be one of the first symptoms of ATTR. This condition is common and causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands, wrists, and arms. Carpal tunnel syndrome may appear up to 10 years before ATTR is diagnosed.
