TTR V122I variant linked to adverse cardiac mechanics in middle-aged Black Americans

Reuters Health - 04/01/2021- Echocardiographic screening of middle-aged U.S. Blacks revealed a significant association between the V122I transthyretin amyloidosis genetic variant (TTR V122I) and worse cardiac structure and function, possibly portending symptomatic heart failure later in life, researchers suggest. About 4% of Black Americans have the TTR V122I variant, and "early identification in individuals and families may inform closer monitoring via echocardiography and potentially change treatment strategies for blood pressure lowering," Dr. Sadiya Khan of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago told Reuters Health by email. "Many direct-to-consumer testing companies are returning this result to consumers, and clinicians need to be prepared with an approach to evaluate, screen family members, and address other risk factors for heart failure, like high blood pressure," she said. "New therapies that target TTR offer the potential to stop ir...

Please login to read the full text of the article.

If you have no account yet, please register now.

Posted on 4 January, 20215 January, 2021