How to Recognize Dangerous Symptoms
Heart problems can be very scary, especially when they happen suddenly. One type of heart condition is called Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). This condition happens when an abnormal protein builds up in the heart, affecting how it works and leading to serious problems like heart attacks. In this article, we will discuss eight warning signs of a heart attack that may be due to ATTR-CM.
8 Warning Signs Of A Heart Attack Due To ATTR-CM
1. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is when you feel like you cannot get enough air. It may feel like trying to breathe through a straw. When your heart does not pump well, fluid can build up in your lungs.
2. Coughing Or Wheezing
A cough caused by heart problems will not go away easily. When there is extra fluid in your lungs, you may start coughing a lot or even wheezing. Wheezing makes a sound like a soft whistle and happens when you breathe.
3. Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations are when your heart beats too fast or too hard. You might notice your heart pounding or skipping beats. This feeling is not normal and, when it happens with other symptoms like shortness of breath, it could mean that your heart is trying to work harder because it is not getting enough oxygen.
4. Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is a word that simply means “irregular heartbeat." With ATTR-CM, the heart may not beat in a steady rhythm. Sometimes it beats too slowly and other times too fast. Irregular heartbeats can stop the heart from pumping enough blood.
5. Fatigue
Fatigue is a strong feeling of tiredness. When the heart cannot pump well, your body might not get all the energy it needs. Fatigue can be a sign that your heart is struggling to keep up with your body’s needs.
6. Dizziness
Feeling dizzy means you may feel unsteady or like the room is spinning. Dizziness can occur when your brain does not get enough blood. If the heart is failing due to ATTR-CM, you might feel dizzy or light-headed during normal activities.
7. Passing Out
Passing out, or fainting, is when you lose consciousness for a short time. This happens because the brain does not receive enough oxygen when the heart is not pumping well.
8. Confusion
Confusion is when you feel mixed up or have trouble thinking clearly. When there is not enough blood reaching the brain, it can cause confusion or even memory loss. This sign should be taken seriously because it can point to a serious heart issue.
Other Symptoms Of ATTR-CM
In addition to warning signs of a heart attack, ATTR-CM can show other symptoms that affect different parts of the body. Here are some additional symptoms of ATTR-CM.
Bloated Stomach
A bloated stomach is when your belly feels swollen and heavy. This may happen because fluid builds up in your body. With ATTR-CM, a weak heart can cause fluid to move into the belly area.
Peripheral Edema
Peripheral edema is swelling that happens in the arms, legs or feet. When the heart does not pump well, blood can back up and cause fluid to build in these areas. This swelling is not temporary and it often continues until the issue is fixed. You might notice your shoes or rings become tight because of this swelling.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes pain, numbness or tingling in the hand and wrist. In ATTR-CM, some patients may experience carpal tunnel symptoms because the abnormal protein deposits build up in various parts of the body, including the small spaces in your wrist.
Eye Floaters
Eye floaters are tiny spots or threads that seem to float across your field of vision. They are usually harmless, but in ATTR-CM, abnormal protein deposits can appear in the eye. While eye floaters are common in many people, a sudden increase in them should be checked by an eye doctor.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves in your arms or legs are damaged. This can cause pain, numbness or a tingling sensation. With ATTR-CM, the build-up of abnormal proteins may affect these nerves.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces in the spine become narrowed. This narrowing can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain or weakness in the legs. In people with ATTR-CM, the same abnormal proteins that affect the heart can also build up in the spine, making this condition more likely.
Final Notes
Knowing the warning signs of a heart attack due to ATTR-CM can be life-saving. Early actions can keep the heart healthy and prevent serious problems in the future.
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