Amyloidosis Over 65: Understanding Risks and Heart Health

Amyloidosis Over 65: Understanding Risks and Heart Health

Amyloidosis is a rare but serious condition that becomes more common with age, particularly after 65. It happens when abnormal proteins—called amyloid—build up in organs and tissues. Over time, these deposits can interfere with how organs work. The heart is one of the most commonly affected organs in older adults, which is why understanding Amyloidosis and heart health is especially important.

This guide explains what Amyloidosis is, why age matters, how it can affect the heart, and what steps you can take to protect your health—without unnecessary alarm, but with clear, honest information.

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What Is Amyloidosis?

Amyloidosis is not a single disease. It's a group of conditions caused by misfolded proteins that clump together and deposit in tissues. These deposits are not easily cleared by the body.

Over time, amyloid buildup can damage organs such as the:

• Heart
• Kidneys
• Liver
• Nerves
• Digestive tract

There are several types of Amyloidosis, but in people over 65, two types are most relevant to heart health:

• AL (light-chain) Amyloidosis – linked to abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow
• ATTR (transthyretin) Amyloidosis – caused by a protein made in the liver; this can be age-related (wild-type) or inherited

Credible medical organizations like national heart and aging institutes recognize age as a key risk factor, especially for ATTR Amyloidosis.

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Why Age Over 65 Increases Risk

As we age, our bodies become less efficient at maintaining protein quality. This increases the chance that proteins may misfold and form amyloid deposits.

Key age-related risk factors include:

• Natural protein changes that occur over time
• Longer exposure to chronic inflammation or medical conditions
• Higher likelihood of heart disease, which can mask Amyloidosis symptoms
• Delayed diagnosis, because symptoms may look like "normal aging"

Importantly, many people over 65 live for years with Amyloidosis before it is recognized. Awareness can make a meaningful difference.

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How Amyloidosis Affects the Heart

When amyloid builds up in the heart, it is called cardiac Amyloidosis. The deposits make the heart muscle stiff, limiting its ability to fill and pump properly.

This can lead to a form of heart failure called restrictive cardiomyopathy.

Common Heart-Related Symptoms

Symptoms often develop slowly and may include:

• Shortness of breath, especially with activity
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Fatigue that feels out of proportion to activity
• Dizziness or fainting
• Irregular heartbeat

Because these symptoms are common in other heart conditions, Amyloidosis is often overlooked at first.

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Other Signs That May Point to Amyloidosis

While heart symptoms are critical, Amyloidosis often affects more than one system. Additional signs may include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation
• Easy bruising or purplish skin around the eyes

Digestive symptoms like chronic diarrhea or abdominal pain can sometimes be confused with inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's Disease—though the causes and treatments differ significantly, so accurate assessment is essential.

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How Amyloidosis Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing Amyloidosis requires careful testing. There is no single "yes or no" blood test.

Doctors may use:

• Blood and urine tests to look for abnormal proteins
• Heart imaging such as echocardiograms or cardiac MRI
• Nuclear scans that help identify ATTR Amyloidosis
• Tissue biopsy (sometimes from fat, bone marrow, or heart tissue)

Early and accurate diagnosis is critical because treatment depends on the specific type of Amyloidosis.

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Treatment Options: What to Know

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for Amyloidosis, but medical advances have significantly improved outcomes—especially when the condition is caught early.

Treatment goals include:

• Slowing or stopping amyloid production
• Protecting organ function, especially the heart
• Managing symptoms and improving quality of life

Depending on the type, treatments may involve:

• Medications that stabilize or reduce amyloid proteins
• Targeted therapies for bone marrow disorders (in AL Amyloidosis)
• Heart-specific treatments for fluid balance and rhythm control

Your care team may include cardiologists, hematologists, and other specialists experienced in Amyloidosis.

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Protecting Heart Health After 65

Whether or not you have Amyloidosis, heart health becomes increasingly important with age. If you are at risk or already diagnosed, these steps matter even more.

Practical, supportive steps include:

• Keeping blood pressure well controlled
• Limiting excess salt to reduce fluid buildup
• Staying physically active within your limits
• Reporting new or worsening symptoms promptly
• Attending regular follow-up appointments

These actions won't cure Amyloidosis, but they can help slow complications and improve daily life.

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Emotional and Practical Considerations

A diagnosis of Amyloidosis can feel overwhelming. It is normal to feel uncertain or concerned, especially when heart health is involved. At the same time, many people live meaningful lives with proper treatment and monitoring.

Helpful strategies include:

• Bringing a trusted person to medical visits
• Writing down symptoms and questions
• Asking your doctor to explain test results in plain language
• Seeking care from clinicians familiar with Amyloidosis

Being informed is empowering, not alarming.

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When to Speak to a Doctor Urgently

Some symptoms should never be ignored. Speak to a doctor immediately or seek urgent care if you experience:

• Sudden or severe shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Fainting or near-fainting
• Rapid swelling of legs or abdomen

These can be life-threatening, whether related to Amyloidosis or another heart condition.

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Final Thoughts

Amyloidosis over 65 is more common than many people realize, particularly when it affects the heart. While it is a serious condition, earlier recognition, better testing, and improved treatments are changing what it means to live with this diagnosis.

If you or a loved one have unexplained heart symptoms, nerve changes, or ongoing digestive issues, trust your instincts and speak to a doctor. Ask whether Amyloidosis could be part of the picture and what steps make sense next. Clear information and timely care can make a real difference in both safety and quality of life.