Definition:
Cardiac amyloidosis is a medical condition that is a type of amyloidosis the reason of which is because of the deposits of an amyloid protein in the heart tissue that results to the reduced function of the heart.
Treatment:
Diuretics – can be prescribed to get rod off extra fluid.
Digoxin – can be used carefully to enhance control of the heart in patients that has atrial fibrillation.
Daily weight measurement – to monitor weight of patient. A gain weight of 3 or 4 pounds within 1 or 2 days may signify extreme fluid buildup.
Chemotherapy or prednisone
Pacemaker – this might be included id it involves the conduction system.
Heart Transplant – may be needed for patients with severe conditions though it is not recommended for those that have AL type amyloidosis because their disease consists of several organs.
Liver Transplant – required for secondary amyloidosis.
Symptoms and Signs:
The list below is the known symptoms for Cardiac amyloidosis:
Palpitation/tremor – it the sense of feeling heart beat
Swelling/inflammation of legs, ankles, or other parts of the body like inflammation of the abdomen
Too much urination at night
Exhaustion, decreased motion tolerance
Shortness of breath with motion
Breathing trouble while lying down
Complications:
The list below shows the known complication of Cardiac amyloidosis:
Congestive heart failure
Atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmias
Sick sinus syndrome (rarely)
Symptomatic cardiac conduction system disease (arrhythmias associated to unusual transmission of impulses all the way through the heart muscle)
Low blood pressure and dizziness from too much urination (from prescription)
Augmented sensitivity to digoxin with the potential for digoxin toxicity and associated arrhythmias
Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen)