AL-Amyloidosis Educational Toolkit

Accelerating Diagnosis. Advancing Multidisciplinary Care. Improving Outcomes.

Bridging Gaps in the AL-Amyloidosis Patient Pathway

In collaboration with expert panelists, researchers, and advocacy organizations, the American Heart Association (AHA) is advancing a nationwide initiative to identify and address critical gaps across the AL-Amyloidosis care continuum—ensuring earlier diagnosis, timely referrals to specialized care, and comprehensive patient support throughout the journey.

"I am here today because I had a cardiologist who did not give up on me. He looked at the big picture, suspected a systemic cause of my myriad symptoms and ordered a blood test that led to my diagnosis and treatment. I owe him my life."

Linda Perez

AL-Amyloidosis Patient

"AL-Amyloidosis can be a chronically managed disease and not uniformly fatal if found early, so please consider systemic amyloidosis in your differential diagnosis in the right clinical situation."

Mathew Maurer, MD

Professor of Medicine, Arnold and Arlene Goldstein Professor of Cardiology, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center

"Once you have a suspicion of amyloidosis, the key is swift evaluation. Diagnostic delays can be detrimental for patients with AL-Amyloidosis. Through continued education and increased awareness, we can all work together to improve outcomes."

Melissa A. Lyle, MD, FACC, FHFSA

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Consultant, Division of Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Florida, Jacksonville, Florida

"Raising awareness of AL-Amyloidosis is vital--timely and accurate diagnosis is key to enabling early treatment and improving patient outcomes."

Kevin M. Alexander, MD, FACC

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, Standford Medicine

What is AL-Amyloidosis?

AL-Amyloidosis (Light Chain) is a rare but life-threatening disease caused by abnormal plasma cells producing misfolded light chain proteins.

These proteins form amyloid fibrils that deposit in organs--most commonly affecting:

Heart
Kidneys
Liver
Nervous System

This leads to progressive and often irreversible dysfunction.

Early suspicion and testing are critical--AL-Amyloidosis often presents with vague symptoms, and delays in diagnosis can result in severe organ failure. Diagnosis should be treated as a medical emergency, as rapid intervention is essential to prevent further damage.

A high index of suspicion and prompt action can significantly improve patient outcomes.