Key Information
Doctors and health experts are sounding the alarm about a rare but serious heart condition called transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, or ATTR-CM. This condition happens when proteins in the body misfold and build up in the heart. These deposits make the heart walls stiff and thick, which makes it very hard for the heart to pump blood. While anyone can develop this disease, it is often overlooked or misdiagnosed as regular heart failure or just a sign of getting older. Many people live with the condition for years without knowing the real cause of their fatigue and breathing problems.
The impact of ATTR-CM is felt most deeply in Black and Afro-Caribbean communities. Research shows that about 3% to 4% of Black Americans carry a specific gene change called the V122I mutation. This mutation significantly increases the risk of developing the hereditary form of the disease. Despite this high risk, many people in these communities face a long and difficult path to a correct diagnosis. Dr. Richard Allen Williams, founder of the Association of Black Cardiologists, recently noted that people in Black communities often face delays in care and a lack of awareness about their risks.