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Feeling like you’re going to pass out can be scary, especially if you’re alone. Fainting, which doctors call syncope, happens when your brain gets less blood flow than it needs. Many causes of fainting are temporary and no reason for alarm. But, sometimes, serious conditions like transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) can be to blame for fainting spells.
In ATTR-CMexternal link, opens in a new tab, amyloid buildup in the heart makes it harder for the heart muscle to pump blood to parts of the body, including the brain. Although the most common symptoms of ATTR-CM are shortness of breath and edema (swelling), some people may experience fainting spells before other symptomsexternal link, opens in a new tab begin.
Here’s what you need to know about ATTR-CM and fainting.