As reported on MSN, a preliminary study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025 suggests that a non-invasive method for assessing atrial function could help identify stroke risk in individuals with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). This condition, caused by abnormal deposits of transthyretin protein in the heart and other organs, leads to stiffening of the heart muscle and impaired ventricular relaxation.

Although patients often maintain normal heart rhythm, hidden atrial dysfunction may increase the likelihood of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Currently, there is no established tool to predict which patients face the greatest risk. Researchers believe that early detection of atrial abnormalities could improve preventive strategies and outcomes for this underrecognized, potentially fatal disease.