By Dixie Ann Black
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and Pfizer, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, have teamed up over the past six years to raise awareness and to educate the public on matters of health for people of color. One of these health concerns is a serious but almost unknown heart risk in the Black and Brown community. It is ATTR-CM. It is likely you have never heard of it, and your doctor may also be unaware of the potential risk this condition poses to your heart health.
Hereditary transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is, as the name suggests, an inherited condition. It is a life threatening but often undiagnosed condition associated with heart failure. It is caused by unstable amyloid protein which can join and build up in the body, including in the heart, causing the heart muscle to thicken and stiffen. This can lead to heart failure. There are over 120 genetic mutations of this condition. The most common mutation in the U.S. is “V1221”.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, African Americans are 30 percent more likely to die from heart disease than non-Hispanic Whites. There are two types of ATTR-CM, the wild type, and the hereditary type. The latter has been found almost exclusively in individuals of African ancestry. As a result of this significant risk to Black/ African American and Afro-Caribbeans, “Voices For The Heart” was formed. It is a Pfizer public information initiative supported by the NNPA and other organizations that focus on public health interests in our communities. The Fountain Church in Miami, pastored by Wayne Lomax hosted the October 26th virtual event by Zoom. The event was moderated by Dr. Emile Barreau with guest cardiologist Dr. Alexis.
Why should you care?
For someone already suffering with heart disease ATTR-CM can significantly worsen the condition. Furthermore, others who appear to be in good health may have this condition that emerges as early as age fifty to sixty. The insidious nature of this condition is that it is like a sneak attack. Its symptoms at first glance appear to be unrelated to the heart. Just ask Don Chaney, NBA basketball player and coach. Chaney testified to the threat this condition posed to his own heart health. He had relatives with a history of heart disease. He was diagnosed with the condition in 2019. His symptoms included fatigue, carpel tunnel and swelling in knees and feet. The symptoms appeared unrelated to heart disease and so he did not immediately report them to his doctor. This delayed his initial treatment.
Chaney encourages, “It is rare and lots of doctors may not know. So, share everything, even seemingly unrelated things and get tested.” He added that he is doing well because, “I work closely with my cardiologist and have the support of my wife.”
Symptoms of ATTR-CM often seem so unrelated to heart conditions that it is often missed. They include, joint pain, ruptured or torn tendons, eye problems, numbness, tingling or pain in back, feet or toes, as well as stomach or gut issues. This condition cannot be improved by diet or exercise, and it does worsen over time. To confirm if one has inherited this condition your physician may order tests including genetic testing.
“Voices For The Heart” engaged its audience with a QR Code that allowed listeners to answer and comment. The audience was highly responsive to the new information and over ninety percent indicated they would follow up with their doctors, inform friends and relatives and check out information on ATTR-CM. Let’s not fall victim to a sneak attack. Learn about ATTR-CM at https://www.yourheartsmessage.com.
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