When Heart Symptoms Don’t Add Up: Understanding ATTR-CM

This HeartTalks conversation will explore transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), a serious yet often overlooked condition that can cause the heart to stiffen, leading to symptoms commonly mistaken for other forms of heart disease, particularly heart failure. ATTR-CM can present with fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, and other signs that resemble more familiar heart conditions, which makes early and accurate diagnosis a challenge, especially for women, who may already face delays or misdiagnosis when seeking care for heart symptoms.

We’ll be joined by Dr. Sarah Cuddy, a leading expert in cardiac amyloidosis, cardiologist with the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Amyloidosis Program, and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Cuddy will help us understand what ATTR-CM is, how it affects the heart, and what makes it different from typical heart failure. She’ll share her insights on how this condition is diagnosed, who may be at risk, and what treatment options are available today. We’ll also explore why ATTR-CM is often missed in women and how we can change that through education, advocacy, and increased awareness.

The conversation will also feature Giselle Benmoin, who will share her personal journey and bring a real-world perspective to this educational session.
Whether you’re living with heart disease, supporting a loved one, or engaging as a WomenHeart Champion, this session will equip you with the knowledge to recognize red flags, ask informed questions, and gain a deeper understanding of this condition.