Kuala Lampur:Symptoms of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), a rare heart condition, are frequently mistaken for normal ageing or common cardiovascular issues, resulting in diagnostic delays.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Saravanan Vengadesa Pillai, Consultant Cardiologist at Hospital Serdang, emphasized the need for greater awareness among healthcare professionals and the public to ensure persistent health changes are not overlooked. He highlighted that symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, and swelling can be attributed to both common cardiovascular conditions and ageing, complicating recognition of ATTR-CM.

Dr. Saravanan spoke at the Dengarlah Degupan Kami (Hear Our Heartbeat) forum on September 30, organized by Hospital Serdang’s Cardiology Department with the Malaysian Rare Disorders Society (MRDS) and supported by Pfizer Malaysia. The event aimed to raise awareness of ATTR-CM’s complex diagnostic journey.

ATTR-CM patient Teoh Eng Hoe shared his experience of noticing unexplained health changes before his diagnosis. He advised people with similar symptoms to seek medical attention early, managing his condition through diet and avoiding strenuous exercise.

MRDS Vice President Allida Muhammad Said noted the challenges faced by families and caregivers of rare disease patients, stressing the importance of awareness and support. She pointed out the difficulty in identifying the problem due to a lack of information.

In July, Malaysian clinicians published the first expert consensus and clinical pathway recommendations for ATTR-CM in the International Journal of Heart Failure. These recommendations aim to help local clinicians in recognizing and managing suspected cases of ATTR-CM.

Tan Hui Yee from Pfizer emphasized the importance of disease education and awareness in Malaysia, supporting initiatives like Hear Our Heartbeat to foster understanding of ATTR-CM. Pfizer Malaysia is also backing social media content to improve public knowledge ahead of World Amyloidosis Day on October 26.