Cardiac amyloidosis: A review of diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment

Abstract

Cardiac amyloidosis is an underdiagnosed cause of heart failure. It occurs secondary to the deposition of amyloid protein in the myocardium. The main types of cardiac amyloidosis include light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL), hereditary (hATTR) amyloidosis, and wild type (wtATTR) amyloidosis. Prognosis is poor when diagnosis is delayed. Early recognition and diagnosis are critical for improved outcomes. Cardiac amyloidosis, previously with limited treatment options, now has multiple pharmaceutical therapeutic options available. Increasing awareness of amyloidosis among patients and clinicians alike may lead to increased screening and diagnosis with institution of medical therapy early in the disease course. Particular attention needs to be focused on high risk populations, the elderly and patients of African ancestry.