Cardiac Amyloidosis
Alternate Names : Amyloidosis - Cardiac, Primary Cardiac Amyloidosis - AL Type, Restrictive Cardiomyopathy - Amyloidosis, secondary Cardiac Amyloidosis - AA Type, Stiff Heart Syndrome
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Cardiac Amyloidosis Treatment
Physical activity may continue as long as the patient can tolerate it. Diet restrictions vary with the extent of cardiomyopathy and heart failure. These may include salt and/or fluid restrictions.
Diuretics (water pills) may be given to remove excess fluid. Digoxin may be used cautiously to improve heart control in patients with atrial fibrillation. Daily weight measurement may be recommended. A weight gain of 3 or 4 pounds or more over 1 or 2 days can indicate excessive fluid accumulation.
Some patients benefit from chemotherapy or prednisone.
A pacemaker may be needed if there is symptomatic involvement of the conduction system. When heart function is very poor, a heart transplant may be considered for some patients (not in those with AL type amyloidosis, however, since their disease compromises many organs). In one type of secondary amyloidosis, liver transplantation is also required.
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