Actor portrayal of an older adult couple with their grandchild smiling at the camera

ATTR-CM, or transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, is a rare and serious condition that affects the heart, can lead to heart failure, and gets worse over time

  • ATTR-CM is a type of amyloidosis. That means it is a condition caused by proteins in the body that change shape or fold incorrectly
  • When these proteins don't work correctly, they can build up in different parts of the body. This results in worsening symptoms and problems like:
    - carpal tunnel syndrome
    - lumbar spinal stenosis
    - gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and constipation
    - peripheral neuropathy
  • When they build up in the heart it can lead to heart failure and cause ATTR-CM

Illustration depicting the transthyretin protein as unstable and misfolding

Your liver produces transthyretin (TTR). TTR is a protein that carries a hormone and vitamin A throughout the bloodstream.

Illustration depicting strands of protein called amyloid fibrils that can build up in the body

When you have transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), the TTR protein becomes unstable and misfolds.

Illustration showing the collection and buildup of amyloid fibrils in the heart

Over time, the misfolded proteins build up in the heart. This can cause the muscles in the heart to get thick and stiff, which can lead to heart failure.

Important callout icon

It’s important to work with your cardiologist to rule out ATTR-CM.

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ATTR-CM has 2 subtypes:

Caucasian man over 60 depicting a wild-type ATTR-CM patient
Wild-type ATTR-CM (wtATTR)
  • Wild-type ATTR-CM (wtATTR) occurs when the transthyretin (TTR) protein becomes unstable with age and misfolds
  • It mainly affects White men over 60 years old
African American man depicting the most common mutation of hereditary ATTR-CM (hATTR) which in the US (V122I) is found almost exclusively in AA
Hereditary ATTR-CM (hATTR)
  • Hereditary ATTR-CM (hATTR) is caused by a change, or mutation, in the TTR gene passed down from a relative
  • The most common mutations associated with hATTR in the US are V122I (found almost exclusively in Black Americans) and T60A (found in those of Irish descent)
  • Symptoms of hATTR can occur as early as age 50-60

Important callout icon

If you think you may be at risk for ATTR-CM, don’t wait. An early diagnosis is key to helping you live longer.

Tips if you’re newly diagnosed with ATTR-CM:

  • Understand that ATTR-CM is a rare, life-threatening, progressive heart condition, which means it will get worse over time
  • Discuss treatment options with your doctor as soon as your diagnosis is confirmed. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you can begin to slow disease progression
  • It can be helpful to connect with other people diagnosed with ATTR-CM

Illustration of a mutated gene to depict how hereditary ATTR-CM (hATTR) is passed down from relatives

If you’ve been diagnosed with hereditary ATTR-CM, your loved ones may also be at risk.

It’s important for patients with hereditary ATTR-CM to tell their families about their condition. This allows family members to make a decision as to whether they want to pursue genetic testing and counseling.

Genetic testing will help confirm or rule out the hereditary form of ATTR-CM and may help identify family members who are at risk. Genetic testing is typically performed using blood or saliva samples.

Genetic counseling may be available to help those diagnosed with hereditary ATTR-CM (and their families) to understand test results and potential next steps.

 
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