Can people survive amyloidosis? Is amyloidosis always fatal?

People can survive amyloidosis. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, some people may be able to manage their symptoms and live longer healthier lives.

Not all cases of amyloidosis are fatal. On average, people with familial ATTR amyloidosis live for 7 to 12 years after they get their diagnosis, according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.

There’s no cure for amyloidosis. Amyloidosis can cause death, particularly when it affects vital organs like the heart, kidneys, or liver. In amyloidosis, abnormal proteins are produced and deposited in tissues and organs, causing damage to their structure and function.

Organs that may be affected include the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and digestive tract. Some types of amyloidosis occur with other diseases.

The symptoms of amyloidosis depend on the organs affected and can range from fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty breathing to heart failure, kidney failure, and nerve damage. There are several types of amyloidosis, each with its own unique characteristics and causes.