UCLA Cardiac Amyloidosis Clinic

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The UCLA cardiovascular team cares for all types of heart and vascular conditions. Call 310-825-9011(Link opens phone app) to connect with a cardiovascular customer care specialist.

Overview

Cardiac amyloidosis is a spectrum of disorders that result when deposition of abnormal proteins form “amyloid” in the heart muscle. The condition frequently leads to increased stiffness of the heart and subsequent congestive heart failure. Amyloidosis is often a systemic disease and abnormal protein deposits can be found in many other organs and tissues. Consequently, amyloidosis can give rise to various clinical manifestation such as kidney failure, neuropathy, gastrointestinal problems, or lung dysfunction. Patients are often diagnosed late in the disease process since early signs and symptoms can be nonspecific. The causes for cardiac amyloidosis are diverse, including hereditary (familial), hematologic, or related to widespread inflammation. Because the prognosis and treatment of cardiac amyloidosis depends on the cause and timing of presentation, it is critical to make an expedient and correct diagnosis.

Our goal at UCLA Cardiac Amyloidosis Clinic is to provide comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment of cardiac amyloidosis. We have a multidisciplinary team of board-certified cardiologists that specialize in Heart Failure and Transplantation, Radiology, Hematology/Oncology and Transplantation, Neurology, and Genetics with vast experience in providing care to the patients diagnosed with amyloidosis. We apply the most up to date evidence and judgement gained through extensive experience to develop diagnostic and treatment plans.

Who should make an appointment with the UCLA Cardiac Amyloidosis Clinic?

Any patients:

With established diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis
With unexplained diastolic heart failure (stiff heart)
Referred from primary care provider or cardiologist
With family history of hereditary amyloidosis
Potentially needing heart transplantation

How will I be evaluated and treated for cardiac amyloidosis?

All patients referred in our Cardiac Amyloid Clinic will undergo comprehensive evaluation tailored to each individual patient and amyloidosis type. Each visit will conclude with patient education so that you can be informed about your disease process and treatment plan.

Services provided:

Extensive history and physical examination
Review of previous medical records
Multidisciplinary evaluation
State of the art cardiovascular imaging and diagnostic testing
Cardiopulmonary testing to evaluate the extent of cardiac dysfunction
Genetic testing if appropriate
Endomyocardial biopsy if necessary
Comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment plan tailored for each patient
Evaluation for heart transplantation in more advanced cases of cardiac amyloidosis