Hereditary Amyloidosis (hATTR)
Awareness and Early Detection
CHAPTER 2 – DO YOU KNOW WHAT AMYLOIDOSIS IS?
What You Need to Know About Amyloidosis (ATTR V122I)
Have you ever heard of Amyloidosis? Or something called hATTR?
If you’re African-American, this could be life-saving information for you or someone you love.
1 in 25 African-Americans carry a rare genetic variant called hATTR V122I—and most don’t even know it. That’s over 1.6 million people walking around unaware of a serious, potentially deadly disease.
This variant causes a natural protein in the body to misfold and build up in your organs—especially the heart. Over time, this can lead to heart failure and other life-threatening issues if it’s not caught early.
Why It Matters
African-Americans face unfair gaps in healthcare—especially when it comes to rare diseases. Many go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed for years. That’s why awareness is critical.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS SAVES LIVES. EARLY TREATMENT SLOWS DISEASE.
AWARENESS IS THE FIRST STEP.
Recognizing the Signs:
If you or a loved one experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional.
Heart-Related Symptoms (Cardiomyopathy)
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Shortness of breath (even at rest)
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Fatigue and tiredness
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Swelling in the legs or ankles
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Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
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Fainting or dizziness
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Chest discomfort
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Feeling lightheaded when standing up
Nerve-Related Symptoms (Neuropathy)
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Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or legs
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Burning or shooting pain
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Weakness or trouble walking
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Carpal tunnel syndrome (especially in both hands)
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Trigger fingers
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Balance problems or frequent falls
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Constipation or diarrhea
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Erectile dysfunction
Other Possible Symptoms
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Unexplained weight loss
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Eye problems (blurry vision, floaters)
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Bicep tendon rupture
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Pain in your back (Lumbar spinal stenosis)
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Extreme fatigue
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Kidney Dysfunction
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Low tolerance to mild exercise
Still 4 Life does not endorse specific treatments. Talk to your doctor to decide what’s right for you. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms similar to those described, we encourage you to seek medical advice and consider genetic testing. Early detection can make a significant difference in managing the condition and improving quality of life.
