Hereditary ATTR (hATTR) amyloidosis – it could be hidden in your genes
ABOUT hATTR AMYLOIDOSIS
hATTR amyloidosis is a rare, progressive, and life-threatening hereditary disease that could be hidden in your genes. Misdiagnosis is common and it can often take patients several years to get the correct diagnosis. It is important to advocate for your health by looking out for the signs and symptoms of this rare disease. Reviewing your responses to the risk questionnaire below with your doctor may help you better understand your symptoms and what they could mean for you.
THE FOUNDER POPULATIONS
When it comes to rare diseases such as hATTR amyloidosis, certain populations are more at risk of having it than others because of a phenomenon called the founder effect. Namely, individuals of Irish, Japanese, Portuguese, Swedish and/or West African descent are more susceptible to having this rare condition. In the U.S., hATTR amyloidosis may affect between 3% to 4% of African Americans.
Since hATTR amyloidosis is a genetic disease that is passed down through family members, it is important to go back to your roots and learn about your family history – this disease could be hidden in your genes.
“Access to adequate healthcare free of discrimnation should be a given for all. However, you have a hand in your health. Be empowered to seek medical care without fear of being discounted if you have symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis or if it runs in your family. Genetic testing is a crucial step in confirming a hATTR amyloidosis diagnosis – not only for yourself, but for your family as well.”
- Ugochukwu O. Egolum, MD, FACC
Medical Director, Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology
The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center
You have a hand in your health. Fill out the risk questionnaire below to help find out if this may apply to you.
Dr. Ugochukwu O. Egolum,
MD, FACC
POTENTIAL SYMPTOMS
POTENTIAL SYMPTOMS
GENETIC TESTING
The wide and varying range of hATTR amyloidosis symptoms presents a diagnostic challenge, often resulting in delayed or missed diagnoses. For this reason, genetic testing is crucial as it allows your doctor to confirm or rule out a diagnosis of hATTR amyloidosis.
Confidential genetic testing is requested by your doctor and can be delivered directly to your home.
- Genetic testing kits can be ordered online and delivered straight to your door.
- You can work with your doctor to collect the blood or saliva DNA samples required.
- Your DNA samples will be analyzed and the results sent straight to your doctor.
Assistance is available to help you understand your results.
FREE information line for education on amyloidosis and testing
Staff are available from 9 am ET / 8 am CST – 6 pm ET / 5 pm CST to answer your questions.
1-888-705-5526
“Having nine siblings, I thought my symptoms were part of the common conditions we saw in our family. It wasn’t until my physician ordered genetic testing that I realized I truly do have a family disease, hereditary Amyloidosis. To me, encouraging genetic testing for your family members shows how much you care.”
-Ruth, a patient with hATTR amyloidosis
When it comes to confirming a diagnosis of hATTR amyloidosis, genetic testing is a crucial part of the process.
RISK QUESTIONNAIRE
To help facilitate a conversation with your doctor, complete the risk questionnaire yourself or with the help of your caregiver.
