Symptom 6. Irregular Heartbeat: An Early Warning Sign of Amyloidosis in the Heart
The heart – a ceaseless metronome playing the rhythm of life. From the moment it starts beating, it maintains a steady rhythm, which, when disrupted, can be a cause for concern. Irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, is one such disruption that might be a red flag for a potential health problem, such as amyloidosis.
Arrhythmias in the context of amyloidosis are most commonly associated with a form of the disease known as cardiac amyloidosis. In this type, amyloid proteins accumulate in the heart tissues, interfering with the organ’s regular electrical activity, which orchestrates each heartbeat. The accumulation of these proteins in the heart tissue can make it rigid and less responsive to the electrical signals that control the heart’s rhythm, leading to arrhythmias.
The exact manifestation of these irregular heartbeats can vary from person to person. Some may experience their heart racing as if it’s trying to outdo itself (tachycardia), while others might feel their heart is lagging behind, beating slower than usual (bradycardia). Some people might notice an irregular rhythm, with their heart skipping beats or producing an extra beat now and then (palpitations).(6)
