2. Shortness of Breath: A Classic Indicator of Heart Trouble
Another key symptom of cardiac amyloidosis is shortness of breath, which may worsen during physical activity or while lying down. This symptom, known as dyspnea, occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to a reduced oxygen supply to the body’s tissues. As the body struggles to get enough oxygen, people with cardiac amyloidosis often feel breathless, even during light activities or at rest.
Shortness of breath can also be accompanied by orthopnea, which is difficulty breathing while lying down. This is because the fluid accumulation in the lungs increases when a person is in a horizontal position, putting additional pressure on the heart and making it more difficult to breathe. To alleviate this symptom, individuals may need to prop themselves up with pillows or sleep in a reclining chair.
In some cases, people with cardiac amyloidosis may also experience paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, a sudden shortness of breath that wakes them up during the night. This condition is caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs while lying down, leading to a sensation of drowning or suffocating. To find relief, patients often need to sit up or stand, which allows the fluid to redistribute and reduces pressure on the lungs and heart. (2)
