Warning Signs of Heart Disease in a 70-Year-Old Woman

Recently, a 70-year-old woman, who had been in good health in Morocco, suddenly collapsed while walking in her neighborhood. Surprisingly, she had no prior symptoms of dizziness or chest discomfort, making this incident quite peculiar. She was immediately taken to the emergency room at the Military University Hospital of Rabat, Mohammed V.

In the emergency room, her heart rate was found to be a mere 28 beats per minute, significantly lower than the normal range of 60-100 beats per minute for a healthy individual. The electrocardiogram (ECG) results were even more alarming. The electrical pathway, which transmits signals from the upper to the lower part of the heart, was completely blocked. This resulted in a dangerous condition known as 'complete atrioventricular block', where the heart stops beating.

The Cause of Heart Disease: Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy

The research team immediately installed a temporary artificial pacemaker to send electrical signals and later implanted a permanent one to restore a normal pulse. However, the real challenge emerged afterward. Why was the heart's electrical pathway blocked? The team discovered that the patient's heart had become stiff due to a rare condition called transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. This disease occurs when abnormal proteins build up in the heart, damaging it.

Through an echocardiogram, the researchers confirmed that the heart walls were thicker than normal, and the heart's pumping function was reduced to 33%. Observing the heart's subtle movements, they identified a phenomenon known as apical sparing, where only the tip of the heart moved normally. This is known to be a distinctive characteristic of this disease.

Early Detection and Prevention of Heart Disease

This patient's case highlights the critical importance of early detection of heart disease. Especially for older adults, symptoms like carpal tunnel syndrome or spinal stenosis should prompt consideration of heart disease. These symptoms could be warning signs of abnormal protein buildup in the body.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Spinal stenosis
• Orthostatic hypotension

If such symptoms appear, it is crucial to undergo heart disease screening for early treatment. Recently, treatments like tafamidis have been developed to help prevent the buildup of abnormal proteins in the heart, showing promising results.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Do not take slow heartbeats or heart thickening lightly. This is particularly important for older individuals, especially those with a history of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome or spinal stenosis. Early detection and appropriate treatment can lead to a healthy and comfortable life. Don't forget regular health check-ups to protect your well-being!