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ATTR-CM Overview

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Understanding ATTR-CM starts here.

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Learn about this serious heart condition, transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, and build a personalized guide to discuss with your doctor.
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About ATTR-CM

Understanding the symptoms

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How caregivers can help

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About ATTR-CM

What is ATTR-CM and what does it do?

ATTR-CM occurs when proteins called transthyretins (TTRs) misfold in the heart and other parts of your body. When this happens it can lead to heart failure.

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There are actually 2 types of ATTR-CM

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Hereditary (hATTR)

If ATTR-CM runs in your family, you may have hereditary ATTR-CM (hATTR).

Caused by inherited gene changes, it affects both men and women, as early as 50-60 years old. African American men are disproportionally impacted.

Source: Rozenbaum

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Wild (wATTR)

If you don’t have family history of ATTR-CM, you may have wild-type ATTR-CM (wATTR).

This type is commonly found in white men 60 years or older and is the most common form of ATTR-CM.

Source: Rozenbaum

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Get your personalized discussion guide.

If you think you may have ATTR-CM, complete your doctor discussion guide now. Just answer a few questions about your symptoms, conditions, and medical history, to help you have a more informed conversation with your doctor or specialist.

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Understanding the Symptoms

ATTR-CM symptoms can be confusing.

ATTR-CM symptoms can often seem unrelated or surprising for a heart condition. Symptoms include, but aren't limited to:

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Cardiac symptoms

  • Heart failure or changes in heart rhythm
  • Being out of breath or feeling tired
  • Lower leg swelling
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Non-cardiac symptoms

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Eye problems
  • Stomach issues
  • Strange tingling or pain in toes or feet
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Not sure if you have ATTR-CM?

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Find a specialist near you

On average, it can take more than 5 years to get an ATTR-CM diagnosis, and a specialist can help determine which tests you will need.

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Diagnosed with ATTR-CM?

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Treatments are available.

Explore a Pfizer treatment option

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Test Your Knowledge
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Up to 50% of people diagnosed with ATTR-CM had carpal tunnel — long before heart symptoms appeared.

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Source: Rozenbaum
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That's correct!
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Up to 50% of people diagnosed with ATTR-CM had carpal tunnel — long before heart symptoms appeared.
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It's actually true!
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Up to 50% of people diagnosed with ATTR-CM had carpal tunnel — long before heart symptoms appeared.
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Caregivers are in a unique position to help.

You know your loved ones better than anyone. Help them by creating a Doctor Discussion Guide so you can both be ready for their appointment.

Get a guide for your loved one

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My husband is my caregiver, and I couldn't do it by myself. I couldn't walk this journey without him.”

Faye, 42

Actual ATTR-CM Patient

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One thing I noticed was the numbness in her legs and hands.”

Brad

Actual ATTR-CM Caregiver

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Still have questions?

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What is ATTR-CM?

ATTR-CM (transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis) is a rare, serious, underrecognized, and underdiagnosed type of amyloidosis that affects the heart and is associated with heart failure.

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What are the 2 types of ATTR-CM?

Wild-type ATTR-CM (wATTR), which is associated with aging; and hereditary ATTR-CM (hATTR), which is caused by a gene change.

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What happens to these misfolded proteins over time during ATTR-CM?

The misfolded proteins join and build up in the body, including in the heart, which causes the heart muscles to thicken and stiffen, eventually leading to heart failure.

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What are some common symptoms of ATTR-CM?

In addition to heart failure, carpal tunnel, stomach issues, lumbar spine stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, and others.

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Why is ATTR-CM sometimes underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed?

Awareness among patients, and even physicians, remains low, which results in ATTR-CM being significantly underdiagnosed. Underdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis occur because the symptoms of ATTR-CM mimic those of other more common causes of heart failure.

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Why is it important to speak with a doctor if you have a family history of heart failure?

Because the hereditary type of ATTR-CM is passed to family members.