Senile cardiac amyloid

Alternative names:

amyloidosis - cardiac; cardiac amyloid

Definition:

A disorder caused by deposits of protein in the heart tissue, resulting in a decreased heart function.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Amyloidosis involves deposits of a waxy, starch like protein (amyloid) in tissues. Extensive amyloid deposits decrease the function of the tissue. The cause is often unknown.

Cardiac amyloid presents as a restrictive cardiomyopathy or a dilated cardiomyopathy. There may be associated conduction disturbances (changes in the way the contraction impulse is transmitted through the heart). The deposits of amyloid protein are localized to the heart tissues.

Senile cardiac amyloid is differentiated from other forms of amyloidosis by its localization to the heart. There are no symptoms of systemic amyloidosis, long-term kidney failure, or effects on other organs or tissues.

Senile cardiac amyloid is a rare disorder, affecting adults, usually over 50 years old.