Awareness of ATTR-CM is low within the physician community, which also may contribute to underdiagnosis of the disease. For this reason, it’s important for heart failure patients or their caregivers to talk to a cardiologist to confirm or rule out the disease if the symptoms of ATTR-CM sound familiar.
As part of the diagnostic process, a cardiologist may order an electrocardiogram (ECG) or cardiac imaging such as an echocardiogram or cardiac MRI to assess how the heart is working and look for signs that may suggest ATTR-CM.15,16 Once ATTR-CM is suspected, a cardiologist can perform several tests to help diagnose the disease. This may include nuclear scintigraphy and/or a cardiac biopsy. If a diagnosis of ATTR-CM is made, genetic testing and counseling may be suggested to rule out the hereditary form of ATTR-CM, which can have implications for the patient as well as their family members.15
With the disproportionate rates of heart failure, heart attacks, and other serious heart conditions in the Black community, it’s important to fully explore the underlying cause of these conditions with the help of a cardiologist. Always be sure to share as much information as possible with your doctor, which can help guide you on the right path for diagnosis. To learn more about ATTR-CM and access other resources on the disease, visit YourHeartsMessage.com.17,18
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