Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Heart, section through the middle Dilated cardiomyopathy
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Cardiac amyloidosis
Alternative Names: Amyloidosis - cardiac; Restrictive cardiomyopathy - amyloidosis; Primary cardiac amyloidosis - AL type; secondary cardiac amyloidosis - AA type; Stiff heart syndrome Symptoms: palpitations (sensation of feeling heart beat) swelling of legs, ankles, or other portion of the body (such as abdominal swelling or enlargement) excessive urination at night fatigue, reduced activity tolerance shortness of breath with activity breathing difficulty while lying down Some patients may have no symptoms. Signs and tests: Text Continues Below The diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis is difficult to make. The findings from an examination are not specific and may indicate enlargement of the heart and fluid in the lungs. Listening with a stethoscope may reveal lung crackles, heart murmurs, or other abnormal sounds. The liver may be enlarged and neck veins may be distended. The blood pressure may be low or may drop when rising to a standing position (orthostatic hypotension). Heart enlargement, congestion of the lungs or the veins in the lungs, decreased movement and/or functioning of the heart, heart failure, or signs of amyloidosis in the heart and other organs may show on the following tests: echocardiogram chest X-ray chest or abdomen CT scan coronary angiography nuclear heart scans (MUGA, RNV) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>