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Amyloidosis
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Metabolic Problems

Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a condition where abnormal proteins called amyloids build up and form deposits in organs, potentially causing them to become stiff and dysfunctional.

Overview

Amyloidosis occurs when abnormal proteins known as amyloids accumulate and form deposits. These deposits can collect in organs such as the heart and kidneys, causing the organs to become stiff and unable to function as they should.

Types of Amyloidosis

There are three main types of amyloidosis:

  • Primary: Occurs with no known cause.
  • Secondary: Caused by another disease, including certain types of cancer.
  • Familial: Passed down through genes.

Treatment and Management

Symptoms vary depending on which organs are affected. Treatment is tailored to the specific type of amyloidosis, with the primary goals being to manage symptoms and limit the production of the abnormal proteins. If the condition is secondary to another disease, that underlying cause must also be treated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Maintaining a heart‑healthy lifestyle—regular low‑to‑moderate exercise, a balanced diet low in saturated fats, avoiding smoking, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol—can reduce cardiac stress. Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding excessive alcohol can help preserve cardiac function while the underlying disease is managed.
Early signs vary by organ but commonly include unexplained fatigue, swelling of the ankles or legs, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and a persistent, non‑healing skin rash. If these symptoms are present, especially in combination, a clinician may order a tissue biopsy (often from fat pad, tongue, or organ) to look for amyloid deposits.
Primary AL amyloidosis is treated with chemotherapy regimens that target the plasma cells producing the light chains, often combined with stem‑cell transplantation. Secondary AA amyloidosis requires aggressive treatment of the underlying inflammatory or infectious disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or chronic infections) to reduce serum amyloid A protein production, sometimes supplemented with colchicine or anti‑TNF agents.
Genetic testing for mutations in genes such as TTR (for transthyretin amyloidosis) or other amyloidogenic genes can confirm a hereditary form. Screening is recommended for first‑degree relatives once a mutation is identified, ideally before the age of 20 for TTR mutations, to allow early intervention with medications like tafamidis or gene‑silencing therapies.===
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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