Different Types of Cardiac Amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis occurs when plaques of protein byproduct called amyloid build up in heart muscle, affecting its ability to pump blood. To confirm a diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis, you will need either a cardiac biopsy or technetium pyrophosphate scan.

A cardiac biopsy involves taking a small sample of heart tissue that the doctor examines under the microscope. A technetium pyrophosphate scan is similar to an MRI in that it gives a picture of the heart. A dye is injected before the scan and will cause transthyretin amyloidosis to "light up." If either test indicates TTR amyloidosis, genetic testing is recommended to confirm the subtype.