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Cardiac Amyloidosis Treatment

Cardiac amyloidosis––also called amyloid heart disease, senile amyloidosis and stiff heart syndrome––occurs because of deposits of the amyloid protein in the heart. The treatment of cardiac amyloidosis depends on the underlying condition.

  1. Irregular Heart Beat

    • Cardiac amyloidosis patients who suffer from irregular heart beat can take these medications: amiodorane, digoxin, ibulatide, beta blocker and calcium channel blockers. These medications should be used with caution because they may cause severe side effects.

    Other Medication

    • Other medications are aimed at improving blood flow in the heart by expanding blood vessels and making blood thinner. These include vasodilators, long-acting nitrates and angiogenesis-converting enzyme inhibitors.

    Fluids

    • Cardiac amyloidosis patients need to restrict salt and fluid intake. They may also need diuretics to rid excess fluids in the body.

    Familial Cardiac Amyloidosis

    • Hereditary forms of cardiac amyloidosis are characterized by the production of abnormal proteins in the liver. The only permanent treatment for this type of cardiac amyloidosis is a liver transplant.

    Heart Transplant

    • In severe cases, the only option might be a heart transplant; but it is not an option for people who also suffer from primary amyloidosis (not caused by other disorders) because it affects other organs as well.

    Other Options

    • Other treatment options may include: pacemaker, chemotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs (such as prednisone) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

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