There are many different types of amyloidosis, but the most common are:
- AL amyloidosis (also known as primary amyloidosis or light chain amyloidosis) can affect the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, soft tissue, and nervous system.
- TTR amyloidosis is caused by the protein transthyretin. It can damage the heart and nervous system. It appears in two forms: hereditary amyloidosis and wild-type amyloidosis.
Symptoms Often Overlooked
Since different organs may be involved, the symptoms of amyloidosis can be overlooked because they mimic other common diseases. For example, with cardiac amyloidosis you may experience heart failure and heart rhythm abnormalities like atrial fibrillation. If your nervous system is damaged, you may experience numbness, tingling, or pain. If your kidneys are affected, you may experience foamy urine or kidney failure.