Amyloidosis refers to a group of diseases caused by deposits of abnormal proteins, known as amyloid, in one or more organs of the body. Many proteins can cause amyloid deposits and over 30 varieties of amyloid have been described. However, in North America and Europe the commonest forms of amyloid deposits are derived either from a protein called transthyretin (referred to as TTR for short), or from abnormal proteins produced in the bone marrow by plasma cells, and referred to as light chain amyloidosis or, in short, AL amyloidosis. Deposition of amyloid in the heart is known as cardiac amyloidosis or amyloid heart disease.
The Amyloidosis Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber is highly specialized and dedicated to the diagnosis, research, and treatment of this underappreciated and often misdiagnosed disease. Our approach to treatment is unique in that it is grounded in science and laboratory-based discovery.
Our program —featuring a multidisciplinary team of experts—works closely with patients and referring physicians to provide access to the newest clinical trials, innovative therapies, and a level of quality, compassionate, patient-centered care. We are committed to educating patients and physicians and spreading awareness.
Led by Rodney H. Falk, MD, widely recognized as a cardiac amyloidosis expert, our team includes specialists in cardiology, nephrology, pathology, neurology and cardiac research – all Harvard Medical School faculty with extensive experience in amyloidosis. We work closely with patients and referring physicians, providing the highest standard of medical and supportive care, combined with cutting-edge research and clinical trials. An international referral site, the Amyloidosis program is part of the Brigham and Women's Hospital Heart and Vascular Center and is located within the state-of-the-art Shapiro Cardiovascular Center.
Learn more about cardiac amyloidosis, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Learn more about AL amyloidosis and our links with DFCI.
Make an Appointment
Call: Dr. Falk at (617) 525-7053
Email: rfalk@partners.org
Fax: (617) 264-5265
Hours: 8AM-4PM, Monday-Friday
Refer a Patient
Referring physicians can refer a patient online or call (857) 307-4000 to learn how to refer a patient to the Cardiac Amyloidosis Program.
