Cardiac amyloidosis is a devastatingand progressive disease.
Nurses should be aware of the manifestationsof cardiac amyloidosis in order to assist in early diagnosis and treatment.
Early diagnosis and treatment provide patients with improved
outcomes and better quality of life.
Familiarity with the initial signs and symptoms and the progression of cardiac amyloidosis is necessary in order to recognize it.
Will’s case proved to be a unique opportunity for the critical care nurses in my unit to educate themselves
about the diagnosis of cardiac
amyloidosis. We are more skilled in recognizing the manifestations and understand the predictable progression of the disease course. This experience generated dialogue
between disciplines that has resulted in the prompt recognition and diagnosis
of amyloidosis in several more patients, allowing them to receive the treatments and referrals they need to fight the disease.