There has been a significant shift in the understanding of heart failure caused by transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA). Once thought to be a rare condition, the adoption of nuclear imaging for diagnosis has revealed that ATTR-CA is more common in clinical practice than previously believed. This has been a crucial development as it allows for earlier identification and intervention.

The introduction of effective disease-modifying therapies has further transformed the outlook for patients with ATTR-CA. These therapies, which reduce morbidity and mortality, offer new hope for those diagnosed with the condition. Importantly, these treatments are most effective when administered early, before major organ damage occurs, underscoring the necessity of early diagnosis to optimize patient outcomes.

Reference: Maurer MS, Miller EJ, Ruberg FL. Addressing Health Disparities-The Case for Variant Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis Grows Stronger. JAMA. 2024 Jun 4;331(21):1809-1811. doi: 10.1001/jama.2024.2868. PMID: 38734953.