ATTR-CM affects the heart and can also affect many other parts of the body

For people who have been diagnosed with heart failure and are experiencing unresolved symptoms, ATTR-CM may be the cause.

How ATTR-CM affects the heart

Illustration depicting the transthyretin protein as unstable and misfolding

ATTR-CM occurs when a protein called transthyretin (pronounced trans-THY-re-tin) becomes unstable and misfolds.

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

These pieces join together and form strands of protein called amyloid fibrils that can build up in the body.

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

Over time, when amyloid fibrils collect in the heart, they cause the heart muscle to thicken, leading to heart failure, which may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and peripheral edema.

When amyloid fibrils collect in the heart, they cause the heart to thicken and stiffen over time, eventually leading to heart failure.

In addition to the heart, ATTR-CM can also affect other parts of the body

Amyloid fibrils can also build up in many other parts of the body.

As a result, people can often experience symptoms and conditions that seem unrelated to the heart, such as:

Illustration of a hand to note that bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people with ATTR-CM

Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (numbness, tingling, or pain in your fingers)

Illustration of the spine to depict that ATTR-CM is associated lumbar spinal stenosis, pain or numbness in the lower back or legs due to narrowing of the lower spine.

Pain or numbness in the lower back or legs due to narrowing of the lower spine (known as lumbar spinal stenosis)

Illustration of the stomach showing that ATTR-CM can cause gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or feeling full quickly

Gastrointestinal issues (eg, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or feeling full quickly)

Illustration of a foot with peripheral neuropathy which is a decreased or strange tingling sensation or pain in the toes and feet and can be associated with ATTR-CM

Decreased or strange tingling sensation/pain in toes/feet (known as peripheral neuropathy)

These symptoms can be early indicators of ATTR-CM.
If you’ve been diagnosed with ATTR-CM, see what you can do to take action.