Hello Mended Hearts Family, ❤️
We all know that navigating heart disease often feels like putting together a complicated puzzle. We track our blood pressure, monitor our diets, and take our medications. But what if one of the most important pieces of your heart puzzle was actually a surgery you had on your hands 5, 10, or even 15 years ago?
If you are currently managing Heart Failure (especially "HFpEF" or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction), an irregular heartbeat, or a thickened heart wall, we want to share a critical medical connection that is often overlooked by even the best doctors.
The Surprising Connection: Cardiac Amyloidosis
There is a condition called Cardiac Amyloidosis (sometimes called "stiff heart syndrome"). It happens when abnormal, misfolded proteins build up in the body. When these proteins deposit in the heart, they make the heart muscle stiff, thick, and unable to pump properly. There are two main types that affect the heart: AL Amyloidosis and ATTR Amyloidosis.
But here is the catch: these same proteins often deposit in our ligaments and tendons years before they ever affect the heart. Because of this, many people with Cardiac Amyloidosis experience highly specific orthopedic issues long before their heart symptoms begin. Research shows that up to 75% of patients with ATTR Amyloidosis, and about 30% with AL Amyloidosis, previously suffered from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Ask you doctor for tests to rule it out.https://arci.org/about-amyloidosis/
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Sally Cox
Facilitator
PNW Amyloidosis Support Group
(206)819-3025
info@pnwamyloidosis.com------------------------------