4 Rare Heart Diseases That Are Becoming Common By Each Passing Day

Heart disease is often associated with common conditions like heart attacks or cardiac arrest. But beyond these lies a group of lesser-known, often overlooked cardiovascular disorders that are gradually becoming more prevalent, or at least more recognized, as awareness grows. Collectively, rare cardiovascular diseases affect nearly 5% of the global population. While each condition individually may be considered rare, their collective impact is significant, especially given the diagnostic challenges and the toll they take on patients and caregivers alike.According to Dr. Sanjay Bhat, Sr. Consultant, Interventional Cardiology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, many of these diseases mimic more common heart issues, which leads to frequent misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. Here's a closer look at four such conditions that deserve urgent attention.Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM)ATTR-CM is a form of cardiac amyloidosis, a rare but fatal condition marked by the buildup of abnormal proteins in the heart. This leads to stiffening of the heart muscle and progressive heart failure. As per the World Heart Federation, it typically affects men over the age of 60, though women can also be diagnosed.Unlike a typical heart attack, caused by blocked arteries, ATTR-CM often shows no such obstructions. “In elderly patients with unexplained fatigue or breathlessness, especially when routine tests show thickened heart walls or declining function without clear cause, ATTR-CM should be considered,” says Dr. Bhat. Diagnosis involves specialized imaging, blood tests, and occasionally bone scans—no biopsy required. Unfortunately, many patients are initially misdiagnosed with standard heart failure or dismissed as simply aging.Kawasaki DiseaseOnce considered exceedingly rare, Kawasaki Disease is now recognized as a leading cause of acquired heart disease in children, notes the World Heart Federation. It causes inflammation in blood vessels, especially the coronary arteries, which can result in aneurysms or long-term narrowing.Unlike adult heart attacks, which stem from plaque buildup, Kawasaki disease involves inflammation. “Because children don’t exhibit the same symptoms as adults—such as chest pain—early diagnosis can be tricky,” Dr. Bhat explains. Timely treatment, often with immunoglobulins and aspirin, is crucial. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor for any delayed cardiac complications.Chagas DiseaseChagas disease is a parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, and is most common in Latin America, although migration has spread it to other regions. It remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood.“Chagas can damage the heart muscle over time, eventually leading to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death,” notes Dr. Bhat. Because symptoms like fatigue, palpitations, or gastrointestinal discomfort can mimic other conditions—or even be brushed off as stress, it often goes undetected for years, especially in immigrant populations unfamiliar to local healthcare providers.Misdiagnoses are common, ranging from anxiety to chronic fatigue syndrome.Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)Still prevalent in many low-and middle-income countries, Rheumatic Heart Disease stems from untreated streptococcal throat infections in childhood. The resulting immune response can cause permanent damage to the heart valves. The World Heart Federation notes that this affects 39 million people worldwide.“Unlike a heart attack, which is sudden, RHD progresses over years, quietly damaging the valves until symptoms like breathlessness or swelling become obvious,” says Dr. Bhat. This slow progression often means the disease isn’t detected until advanced stages, particularly affecting young adults and women during pregnancy.Bridging the Diagnosis GapMany rare heart conditions present with overlapping symptoms: fatigue, breathlessness, swelling—which makes early diagnosis a challenge.“It’s vital for general practitioners and cardiologists to collaborate closely,” Dr. Bhat advises. “When conventional treatments fail or symptoms don’t align with typical diagnoses, we must look deeper. Family history, ethnic background, and country of origin can offer vital clues.”Advanced imaging tools like cardiac MRI, bone scans, and genetic screening are becoming essential in identifying these rare diseases. But at the heart of the solution is increased awareness, both among healthcare providers and the public. Because in the end, every heartbeat truly does matter.

4 Rare Heart Diseases That Are Becoming Common By Each Passing Day

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