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ATTR-CM Overview

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Understanding ATTR-CM starts here.

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Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR‑CM) is a serious, rare heart disease. Often, symptoms go unrecognized, leading to a delayed diagnosis. Learn more and prepare for a conversation with a doctor about ATTR‑CM.
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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 can affect both men and women with symptoms starting as early as 50-60 years old. In the US, the most common type (V122i) is found almost exclusively in people of African American descent and men are more often impacted.

Sources: Rozenbaum, Shankar

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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 most often found in white men over the age of 60 and is the most common form of ATTR-CM.

Source: Rozenbaum

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Understanding the symptoms

Connecting ATTR-CM symptoms

Because many early symptoms of ATTR-CM can be consistent with aging or other common conditions, it often takes years to get a diagnosis. If you've experienced any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor and ask about ATTR-CM.

Check your symptoms

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Cardiac symptoms

  • Heart failure
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Being out of breath or feeling tired
  • Lower leg swelling
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Non-cardiac symptoms

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Lower back pain
  • Eye problems
  • Stomach issues
  • Strange tingling or pain in toes or feet
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Could ATTR-CM explain your symptoms?

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Get your personalized discussion guide.

If you think you may have ATTR-CM, answer a few questions about your symptoms and medical history to create a personalized discussion guide to bring to your next appointment.

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Find a specialist

Not sure if you have ATTR-CM?

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Find a specialist who knows ATTR-CM

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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One of the most common non-cardiac signs of this rare disease can be carpal tunnel.

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That's correct!
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Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the more common early non-cardiac signs reported before ATTR-CM is diagnosed.
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Check your risk factors
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It's actually true!
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Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the more common early non-cardiac signs reported before ATTR-CM is diagnosed.
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Source: Rozenbaum
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How caregivers can help

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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ATTR-CM resources and guidance

Access information to help you recognize signs and talk with your doctor.

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  • /attr-cm/education/talking-to-your-doctor-about-attr-cm
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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.

See how ATTR-CM affects your heart

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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 symptoms of heart failure, ATTR-CM may also be associated with signs and symptoms such as carpal tunnel syndrome, stomach issues, lumbar spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, and more.

Check your symptoms

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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.

Find a specialist

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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.

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