A nutritious diet and lifestyle are essential to support heart health and well-being when you live with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM).
They can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce fluid retention and boost immunity and energy levels. A dietitian can offer personalized guidance to help you make the right food choices.
What is ATTR-CM?
Transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a rare progressive disease of the heart muscle that leads to congestive heart failure. It occurs when the transthyretin protein produced by the liver is unstable. Symptoms include fatigue; shortness of breath; irregular heart rate or palpitations; swelling of the legs, ankles and stomach; brain fog; wheezing; and dizziness. It often goes underdiagnosed because of a lack of awareness and knowledge of the disease. There is currently no cure for ATTR-CM.
The importance of a healthy diet
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is good advice for most of the population to maintain health and immunity. It is of particular importance for people living with ATTR-CM.
Read more about ATTR-CM treatment and care
In ATTR-CM, as amyloid fibrils accumulate in the heart, the heart muscle becomes stiff. This reduces flexibility and makes it harder for your heart to pump blood around the body.
ATTR-CM is a rare progressive disease of the heart muscle that has symptoms similar to those of other heart diseases, including fatigue; shortness of breath; swelling of the feet, legs and abdomen; coughing and wheezing, irregular heartbeat; and palpitations.
Gastrointestinal issues arising from ATTR-CM can include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and weight loss. As the gut lining deteriorates, it is less effective in absorbing nutrients and vitamins, which can lead to malnutrition. It is therefore important to adapt your diet to ensure your body is getting as much nutrition as possible.
Best food choices
Key components of your healthy diet will include lean protein and foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats and sugar, such as the following.
- Leafy greens and fruits such as blueberries are high in antioxidants and vitamins.
- Whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa will help build your energy and immunity.
- Healthy fats such as avocados, nuts and seeds will help reduce inflammation.
- Avoid salt. Fluid retention leads to swelling in the feet, legs and abdomen. Reducing salt intake helps to prevent the body from retaining fluid. It can also help slow disease progression. Season your food with herbs and spices if you need extra flavor.
- Avoid processed food. Prepackaged food includes higher salt and sugar content, as well as preservatives.
Create good habits by planning or prepping your meals ahead of time. Ensure you eat small, regular meals that contain a balance of food groups. This will help digestion.
Stay hydrated to correct levels but don’t consume too much water. Ask your health care team for guidance.
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