ATTR-CM Discovery Initiative

THE ISSUE
Cardiac amyloidosis, including Amyloidosis Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), is a serious and often underdiagnosed condition in which protein buildup stiffens the heart, limiting its ability to function and significantly shortening life expectancy if left untreated. 

Early detection of cardiac amyloidosis is critical, as it gives patients access to treatments that can extend life, maintain function and preserve quality of life. Yet delivering optimal care is challenging, requiring substantial resources and close coordination across multiple specialties — capabilities many health care centers struggle to sustain.

THE INITIATIVE 
As rates of cardiac amyloidosis diagnoses rise and treatment options expand, the need for earlier detection, better‑coordinated care and specialized multidisciplinary teams has become increasingly urgent. The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has launched the ATTR-CM Discovery Initiative, supported by Alnylam. Throughout this three‑year initiative, multidisciplinary teams at 10 health care centers nationwide will:

• Participate in process mapping to identify gaps, barriers and effective models of patient care
• Engage in learning collaboratives to discuss insights, compare care delivery approaches and share optimal amyloidosis care pathways
• Contribute expertise to a series of nationally disseminated model share events, creating multiple opportunities for continuous learning and collaboration

This initiative will equip cardiovascular clinicians with practical tools and care‑model guidance to strengthen coordination among specialists and clinical teams, ultimately improving care pathways and outcomes for patients with ATTR-CM.