Key Information
Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a type of amyloidosis that affects the heart. It happens when a protein called transthyretin builds up in the heart muscle. This condition can change your lifeexternal link, opens in a new tab in ways you might not expect. Even though it starts in the heart, it can also affect your hands and wrists, which may come as a surprise.
In fact, ATTR-CM is related to carpal tunnel syndrome. Here’s what you need to know about ATTR-CM and wrist pain
What Is ATTR-CM?
If you’ve been diagnosed with ATTR-CM, it means that a protein called transthyretin has changed its shape and is building up in your heart instead of moving normally through your blood. The buildup of this protein is called an amyloid deposit. These deposits make your heart walls stiff, so your heart may have trouble pumping enough blood to your body. Over time, this can lead to heart failure.
There are two types of ATTR-CM: hereditary (familial) ATTR-CM, also called hATTR-CM, and wild-type ATTR-CM. If you have this hereditary type, it means a change in the transthyretin (TTR) gene affects how your body makes transthyretin. That change can cause this protein to build up in different parts of your body, including your heart. If ATTR-CM runs in your family, ask your doctor about genetic testing.
ATTR-CM can also develop without changes to your genes. This is called wild-type ATTR-CM. Both types share symptomsexternal link, opens in a new tab like carpal tunnel syndrome.
What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is a small passage on the palm side of your hand. The median nerve runs through it, surrounded by bones and ligaments. When something happens in that tunnel that puts pressure on the median nerve, the condition is called carpal tunnel syndrome.