To diagnose cardiac amyloidosis, your healthcare provider will talk with you about your family medical history and symptoms and perform a physical exam.
At UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute, a technetium pyrophosphate scan, also known as a cardiac PYP scan, is used to test for cardiac amyloidosis. During this test, a radioactive substance called technetium pyrophosphate is injected into the veins. If cardiac amyloidosis is present, the substance will bind to the heart and will be visible on a nuclear scan. This noninvasive test can diagnose the condition with more than 95 percent accuracy.
Additional tests and advanced cardiovascular imaging are available to aid in diagnosis, as needed, including:
- A tissue sample, or biopsy
- Cardiac MRI: This test uses magnets to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and show blood flow and heart valve function.
- Echocardiogram (ECG or echo): This type of test records activity of the heart using high-frequency sound waves, or ultrasound. A technologist called a sonographer conducts this test by applying gel to your chest that makes it easier for sound waves to reach your heart. The sonographer will then wave a device called a transducer across your chest to send sound waves to your heart. The echo created by those waves is translated into images of your heart as it beats.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): Providing information about your heart’s electrical activity, an electrocardiogram can help your provider understand your heart rate and whether you have an arrhythmia. Alternatively, your provider might ask you to wear a monitor for a day or two to record how well your heart’s circuitry is working.
Genetic testing may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment if cardiac amyloidosis runs in your family. Early diagnosis may improve quality of life and prevent complications. Genetic testing may also determine the type of cardiac amyloidosis you have.
