What term describes a disorder caused by deposits of abnormal protein in heart tissue affecting its function?

The term that describes a disorder caused by deposits of abnormal protein in heart tissue, which affects the heart's function, is known as cardiac amyloidosis. In this condition, a protein called amyloid builds up in the heart and can interfere with the normal electrical conduction and mechanical function of the heart muscle. This accumulation leads to stiffening of the heart tissues, ultimately causing heart failure and other complications.

Understanding cardiac amyloidosis is important for identifying symptoms such as fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and swelling due to heart failure. This condition can be diagnosed using various imaging techniques and biopsies, and treatment often involves addressing the underlying amyloid protein production, improving the patient's quality of life, and managing heart failure symptoms.

The other options refer to different cardiac issues. Cardiac cachexia pertains to weight loss and muscle wasting due to heart disease but does not specifically refer to protein deposits. Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function that can result from various causes, including arrhythmias, but does not describe a condition caused by protein accumulation. Cardiomegaly is simply an enlargement of the heart and does not convey the specific pathology of amyloid deposits.