Browsing: Ask Dr. Kevin

     It’s important to understand the two sub-types of ATTR-CM, wild-type and hereditary. Wild-type ATTR-CM, the most common form, is usually associated with men over the age of 60 and is not caused by a genetic mutation. Most wild-type patients are White. The second type, hereditary ATTR-CM, is inherited from a relative and is due to genetics. , , , Hereditary ATTR-CM disproportionately affects the African American community because the most common mutation associated with hereditary ATTR-CM in the U.S. is V122I and is found almost exclusively in African Americans.ii, ,  This series will take a closer look at the signs and symptoms of hereditary ATTR-CM, while exploring the often-complicated journey to diagnosis for patients living with this condition.

     As the “Ask Dr. Kevin” series enters its fourth year, I want to turn my focus to a rare, but very serious form of heart disease known as ATTR-CM. ATTR-CM is a life-threatening, underdiagnosed disease associated with heart failure, but many people have never heard of it or don’t know what it is. In this article, I’m going to explain more about ATTR-CM, and answer some of the most commonly asked questions in hopes it will help raise awareness of the condition and the misunderstood symptoms that often delay diagnosis.

Understanding Clinical Trials and Sickle Cell Disease in the Black Community