symptoms
Chest Pain (Cardiac Amyloidosis)
Chest pain is a frequent symptom in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and is associated with a more advanced cardiac impairment. [source: International Journal of Cardiology]
Shortness of breath when lying flat (Orthopnea)
People with more severe heart failure may experience shortness of breath when they lie down. The medical term for this symptom is orthopnea (say “or-THAWP-nee-uh”). The severity of this symptom usually depends on how flat you are lying—the flatter you lie, the more you feel short of breath.
Frothy/Bubbly Urine (Kidney Damage)
Foamy urine is a sign of protein in the urine, which is not normal. “Kidneys filter the protein, but should keep it in the body,” explains Dr. Ghossein. If kidneys are releasing protein into the urine, they are not working properly.
Fluid Swelling (Peripheral Edema) hands, legs or feet
If the amyloidosis affects the kidneys, their ability to filter the blood becomes impaired. Protein leaks from the blood into the urine. The loss of protein from the blood can cause fluid to leak out of the blood vessels, resulting in swelling in the feet, ankles and calves.
Protein in the Urine (Nephrotic Syndrome)
Nephrotic syndrome is usually caused by damage to the clusters of small blood vessels in your kidneys that filter waste and excess water from your blood. The condition causes swelling, particularly in your feet and ankles, and increases the risk of other health problems.
Enlarged Liver – Primary Hepatic Amyloidosis (PHA)
Primary hepatic amyloidosis (PHA) is characterized by abnormal deposition of monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains (AL) in the liver. This rare condition is frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and can be associated with poor prognosis. At present, the precise pathogenesis is not fully understood.
Infrequent Urination (Kidney damage)
Most commonly, amyloid deposits build up in the heart and kidneys. Roughly 70% of patients have involvement with either of these organs, notes Dr. Weiss.
Low QRS voltages (LQRSVs) (Cardiac Amyloidosis)
Typical ECG of a patient with cardiac AL amyloidosis showing low QRS voltages in the limb leads and pseudoinfarction pattern in the chest leads. (from Updates in Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Review; Banypersad S et al; J Am Heart Assoc 2012)