Key Information
In some patients with amyloidosis there is a build-up of amyloid deposits in the heart muscle. This may cause no symptoms at all if there is just a small amount of amyloid in the heart. But when amyloid deposits in the heart are large, they can lead to stiffening of the heart muscle so that the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently around the body. Symptoms of heart failure may then appear. This information sheet explains the causes of these symptoms and gives an outline of the recommended treatments, which usually help to provide effective relief.
Heart disease is very rare in AA amyloidosis, only occurring in about two out of every 100 patients. When amyloid in the heart causes it to pump less well than usual, there may be reduced blood flow to vital organs. Excess salt and water can accumulate in the body and blood pressure may drop.