Hereditary Amyloidosis (hATTR)

Awareness and Early Detection

UNDERSTAND THE SYMPTOMS

❤️ Heart-Related Symptoms (Cardiomyopathy)

Shortness of breath: Feeling winded during activities or when lying down.
Swelling in legs or feet: Shoes or socks feel tight due to puffiness.
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness, even after rest.
Irregular heartbeat: Heart feels like it’s skipping beats or fluttering.
Chest pain or pressure: Discomfort in the chest area, especially during exertion.

🧠 Nerve-Related Symptoms (Neuropathy)

Numbness or tingling: Sensation of pins and needles in hands or feet.
Burning or shooting pain: Sharp pains in limbs.
Balance problems: Difficulty walking or frequent falls.
Muscle weakness: Trouble lifting objects or climbing stairs.

🍽️ Digestive and Autonomic Symptoms

Nausea or vomiting: Feeling sick or throwing up.
Diarrhea or constipation: Irregular bowel movements.
Feeling full quickly: Loss of appetite after eating small amounts.
Dizziness upon standing: Lightheadedness when getting up quickly.
Sexual dysfunction: Challenges with sexual performance.

👁️ Other Symptoms

Vision changes: Blurry vision or seeing floaters.
Kidney issues: Swelling in ankles or foamy urine.
Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Numbness or pain in the hands, especially at night.

“Since carpal tunnel syndrome is often one of the earliest signs of underlying Amyloidosis, those with undiagnosed disease could greatly benefit from tissue biopsies at the time of surgery. A positive biopsy result could initiate the road to disease stabilization and hopefully future cures, avoiding the all-too-often rapid decline of health before final recognition. Bringing the surgeon into the arena of Amyloidosis diagnosis and care broadens the net for catching this disease early and prepares the surgeon as a team-player for future medical support.”

Charles Williams Sr., MD

Retired Orthopedic Surgeon

TAKE QUIZ

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