What are the symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis?
The symptoms of hereditary ATTR (hATTR) amyloidosis can vary widely among people with the condition and even within families. Different symptoms may appear at different times for each person.
The age that symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis typically appear ranges from the mid-20s to the mid-60s. Because symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis can worsen over time, it’s important to talk to your doctor about them as soon as possible.
hATTR amyloidosis affects several parts of the body, including:
The somatic nervous system, which is made up of nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the skin and muscles, controls sensation and voluntary movements.
- Nerve damage in the somatic nervous system can lead to a range of symptoms, including loss of voluntary movement of the hands and feet, and loss of sensitivity to temperature
The cardiovascular system, which is made up of the heart and blood vessels, transports blood through arteries and veins to deliver oxygen to cells and to remove metabolic wastes from cells.
- Damage to the heart muscle can lead to heart failure
The autonomic nervous system, which is made up of nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to parts of the body, including the heart, stomach, and intestines.
- When this system is not working correctly, it may affect involuntary bodily functions, such as digestion, blood pressure regulation, and heart rate
Possible symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis
This is not a complete list of symptoms that may be experienced in patients with hATTR amyloidosis. Each patient has a different experience and you may not experience all of these symptoms, or you may not experience them at the same time. Symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis may worsen over time.
Symptoms related to control over bodily functions
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Abnormal sweating
- Dizziness upon standing
- Sexual dysfunction
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Severe constipation
- Unintentional weight loss
Symptoms related to the heart
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Leg swelling (edema)
Symptoms related to nerves in hands, feet, arms, and legs
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Burning pain
- Loss of sensitivity to temperature
- Loss of movement control
- Weakness
Other symptoms
- Glaucoma
- Blurred or spotty vision
- Floaters in the eye
- Worsening dementia
- Stroke-like episodes
- Kidney dysfunction
The effects of hATTR amyloidosis
The symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis can often have an impact on day-to-day activities. It’s important to keep track of any difficulties you may be experiencing so your doctor has as much information as possible in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Use the Symptoms Checklist & Tracker tool to easily compile this information prior to your next visit.
Learn more about talking with your doctor about hATTR amyloidosis »
