American Heart Association Launches Nationwide ATTR-CM Care Initiative

The American Heart Association, in partnership with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, has launched a critical nationwide initiative to address the serious challenges in diagnosing and treating Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), a life-threatening heart condition caused by abnormal protein buildup that impairs the heart's ability to pump blood. This three-year quality improvement effort, financially supported by Alnylam, brings together 10 multidisciplinary healthcare teams from across the country in a learning collaborative designed to examine the full patient journey—from diagnosis and referral through treatment and follow-up—with the goal of identifying practical, scalable approaches that can support earlier recognition, more coordinated care, and better outcomes. The initiative aims to strengthen the system of care for people living with ATTR-CM by uncovering gaps in current practice pathways and amplifying successful models that improve coordination, support earlier identification, and strengthen long-term management.

ATTR-CM is often underdiagnosed, and when left untreated, it can lead to heart failure and significantly shorten life expectancy. Early recognition and diagnosis are critical, as timely care gives patients access to treatments that can extend survival, preserve physical function, and maintain quality of life. As awareness of ATTR-CM grows and treatment options continue to advance, patients increasingly need coordinated, specialist-led care, but building and sustaining these multidisciplinary systems remains challenging for many healthcare centers. Dr. Mat Maurer, a volunteer member of the American Heart Association's ATTR Amyloidosis Strategic Advisory Group, emphasizes that the disease is too often recognized late, when current disease-modifying therapy is less effective, making this initiative vital for driving change nationwide.

Through shared learning and collaboration, participating sites will work to gain insights into current ATTR-CM practice pathways and identify replicable models of care that can improve the patient experience. Dr. Sameer Bansilal, a cardiologist and vice president at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, highlights the importance of ensuring patients have access to well-coordinated, specialist-led care as treatment options advance. The initiative's focus on understanding gaps in care and sharing successful models aims to help build a more integrated system that enhances outcomes for patients affected by this devastating disease. For more information, visit heart.org/ATTRCMDiscovery, where additional resources, including multimedia and support networks, are available through the American Heart Association's professional education hub and other channels.