People living with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) experience a progressive deterioration of cardiovascular health, which can significantly affect quality of life.
An effective approach to disease management includes medication and lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity adapted to the individual capacity of the patient.
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.
Low-impact exercise that doesn’t put pressure on the heart will improve heart health and overall well-being.
Read more about ATTR-CM treatment and care
The importance of regular physical activity in ATTR-CM
Amyloid fibril deposits in the heart lead to a stiffening and thickening of the heart muscle, meaning it becomes harder for the heart to pump blood around the body. This causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, coughing, wheezing, dizziness, swelling of the feet and legs, and brain fog.
ATTR-CM will affect a person’s daily activities and reduce one’s capacity to exercise. But it is better to find exercise you enjoy and adapting exercise to your physical capacity instead of avoiding physical activity completely.
Remember that the heart is a muscle and is strengthened through exercise. With the proper advice and a personalized approach, you may engage in low-impact aerobic exercise and moderate resistance training that will improve your cardiovascular function.
Exercise boosts your mood and helps you maintain a healthy weight. It can also enhance circulation and increase endurance in patients with ATTR-CM. Exercise has also been shown to lower blood pressure and slow heart rates.
Low-impact exercise options for patients with ATTR-CM
Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist with experience in ATTR-CM or other heart diseases. Together you will define a personalized program of low-impact physical exercises that don’t require too much exertion or put unnecessary pressure on your heart.
Making light exercise a part of your routine will help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
Walking, swimming, yoga and stretching are all aerobic exercises that are recommended for people living with ATTR-CM. In addition, resistance training with light weights reinforces overall muscle strength. The key is to not push your limits or overexert yourself in any way.
Tips for exercising well with ATTR-CM
A physical therapist or your health care provider can create a personalized exercise program adapted to your needs and capacities. It is important to remain vigilant about safety and self-care as you undertake such a program.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you exercise with ATTR-CM.
- Know your physical limits, and respect them.
- Warm up and cool down.
- Stay hydrated before, during and after any activity.
- Monitor your heart rate and blood pressure.
- Stop if you feel tired, overheated or dizzy.
- Check in regularly with your health care team.
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