Types of Amyloidosis and their Prevalence
Amyloidosis is not a specific disease, but rather a group of rare and serious conditions caused by the accumulation of amyloids in the body. Amyloids are abnormal proteins that can build up in various organs and tissues, disrupting their normal function.
There are different classifications of amyloidosis, each associated with a specific protein that forms the amyloid deposits. One such classification is called AL amyloidosis, where the accumulation of amyloids is caused by immunoglobulin light chains. Previously, researchers believed that AL amyloidosis was the most common form and considered it to be extremely rare in the general population.
However, recent studies have shown that the most widespread form of amyloidosis is called ATTR amyloidosis. ATTR stands for transthyretin amyloidosis, and it is now considered more prevalent than AL amyloidosis. This shift in understanding has led experts to no longer consider ATTR amyloidosis as a rare disease.
Recognizing the Signs of Amyloidosis
The symptoms of amyloidosis can vary widely, typically based on where the abnormal protein deposits, known as amyloids, are accumulating in the body. The two most prevalent areas for amyloid buildup are the heart and the kidneys.
When amyloidosis affects the kidneys, it is usually categorized as AL or AA amyloidosis. This form of the disease can lead to nephrotic syndrome, a condition characterized by excessive protein in the urine, and kidney failure.
On the other hand, when amyloidosis affects the heart, it can result in heart failure and its associated symptoms. These symptoms may include shortness of breath, swelling (edema), and overwhelming fatigue.