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It can be overwhelming to manage heart failure and other chronic conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and amyloidosis (ATTR). About 1 in 3 people with cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases live with two or more of these conditions simultaneously.1 Understanding the connections and knowing how to navigate them can make a significant difference in your health and well-being.
How These Conditions Interact & How to Talk to Your Doctor About Them
Heart failure is closely related to a variety of conditions. It can be caused by kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and ATTR. Heart failure can also be the cause of kidney disease.2,3
If you have any of these overlapping conditions, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) on a regular basis about how you’re feeling. Here are some essential questions to guide your discussions:
- I know heart failure is linked with [CKD, diabetes, high blood pressure, ATTR]. What symptoms and warning signs should I be on the lookout for?
- Why should I ask this: Early recognition of symptoms is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment. Based on the answer, it may also prompt you to talk to your HCP about any symptoms you may already be having that are associated with these conditions. - Does my birth sex, race or ethnicity impact my risk for developing [CKD, diabetes, high blood pressure, ATTR]? Are there any genetic risk factors that I should be aware of?
- Why should I ask this: Knowing if your condition has a genetic link or runs in your family can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about monitoring, prevention and early intervention. - How is [CKD, diabetes, high blood pressure, ATTR] diagnosed?
- Why should I ask this: It’s important to understand the steps and processes that are required to confirm the diagnosis for a specific condition. - Do you have any informational materials that I can use to learn more about [CKD, diabetes, high blood pressure, ATTR]? Are that any online resources that you would recommend?
- Why should I ask this: Access to reliable information can empower you to manage your health better and may introduce you to a community full of people who have similar experiences. - I have [heart failure or other condition], so I want to make sure any potential changes to my treatment plan take that into account and work best for me. Can you help me develop a personalized treatment plan that fits within my [lifestyle/medical history/conditions]?
- Why should I ask this: Having open and honest conversations can help your HCP develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your individual needs.
Navigating the complexities of overlapping chronic conditions requires a comprehensive approach, proactive communication with healthcare providers and supportive resources. By staying informed and engaged, you can better manage your health and improve your quality of life.
1. Cardiac Amyloidosis: In cardiac amyloidosis, sometimes called stiff heart syndrome, amyloid deposits take the place of normal heart muscle, disrupting the heart's normal structure and function. This can lead to restrictive cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart becomes stiff and less able to pump blood effectively.5,6
2. Diastolic Dysfunction: Amyloid deposits in the heart can make it difficult for the heart to relax properly during the diastolic phase, impairing its ability to fill with blood. This diastolic dysfunction can result in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).7
3. Arrhythmias: Amyloidosis can disrupt the heart's electrical system, leading to arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) that can further exacerbate heart failure symptoms.7
Diagnosing Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis can be confirmed through specialized tests, including tissue biopsies or imaging scans such as MRIs. Some cases of amyloidosis are hereditary, so if you or anyone else in your family has or had amyloidosis, it can be beneficial for you to take a genetic test to determine if you carry the gene.
Learn More About Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis, which can be a hidden contributor to heart failure, deserves greater recognition and awareness within the medical community and among patients.8 Timely diagnosis and appropriate management can make a significant difference in the prognosis of individuals affected by amyloidosis. 9 For more information on living with amyloidosis, visit MyATTRRoadmap.com.
References
1. AstraZeneca Data on File. REF-200649
2. Heart Failure Society of America. The Intersection of Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease and Heart Failure. https://hfsa.org/intersection-diabetes-chronic-kidney-disease-and-heart-failure [Last accessed: 09 2024]
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease. https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-disease/risk-factors/index.html [Last accessed: 09 2024]
Helpful Resources
Visit the HFSA Patient Hub to explore tools and resources to help patients stay healthy while living with heart failure.
View Heart Failure Awareness 365 activities to stay up-to-date on tips for healthy living for people living with heart failure.