Overview

Cardiac Amyloidosis Program

The Brigham and Women’s Hospital/ Harvard Vanguard Cardiac Amyloidosis Program is the only clinical program in the U.S. focusing exclusively on cardiac amyloidosis. This unique program was established in order to help fill a significant void in the diagnosis and treatment of systemic amyloidosis, with a view to acquiring a better understanding of cardiac amyloidosis and improving care for patients who have the disease.

Amyloidosis refers to a group of diseases, caused by deposits of abnormal proteins known as amyloid, affecting one or more organ systems in the body. Deposition of amyloid in the heart is known as cardiac amyloidosis, and whether it occurs solely in the heart or in conjunction with other organs, it is the presence of amyloidosis in the heart that determines the severity and outcome of the disease and its treatments. As cardiac amyloidosis is quite rare and produces symptoms very similar to other heart diseases, it is often misdiagnosed.

To promote effective and efficient treatment and a better understanding of the disease among physicians and patients, BWH established a centralized multidisciplinary program that draws upon the expertise of some of the country’s leading cardiology specialists, all working together at the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center’s state-of-the art facilities. Led by Rodney H. Falk, MD, widely recognized as a cardiac amyloidosis expert, the Cardiac Amyloidosis team is founded on a concept of collaboration within and without the institution, placing patient care at the center of our philosophy.

We encourage patients and physicians to browse our site to learn more about cardiac amyloidosis, the services we provide, what we’re doing to improve diagnosis and treatment, how to get in touch with us and more.

• What Is Cardiac Amyloidosis?
• Diagnosis and Treatment
• The Cardiac Amyloidosis Team
• Our Cardiac Amyloidosis Research
• Patient Resources
• Philanthropy
• Contact Us