HEART TALKS
PATIENT STORIES

Hear stories from real ATTR-CM patients and caregivers. Patients discuss their "heart's message" and journey to diagnosis, what it's like living with ATTR-CM, and advice for others who are starting their ATTR-CM journey.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

“If you have had these other symptoms then you need to talk to your doctor about amyloidosis.”

-Walt, ATTR-CM Patient

In memory of Walt, a passionate advocate (1948-2022)

THE SEEMINGLY UNRELATED SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ATTR-CM

“I suspect that every journey is unique. I have been fortunate in that I got an early diagnosis.”

-Dempsey, ATTR-CM Patient

CONNECTING THE SYMPTOMS

“I went to my primary care physician, and she couldn't figure out what was going on, and she sent me to a cardiologist.”

-Faye, hereditary ATTR-CM Patient

IDENTIFYING ATTR-CM EARLY

"Diagnosis took 11 years. If someone would have known to look, mine could have been diagnosed earlier."

-Walt, ATTR-CM Patient

In memory of Walt, a passionate advocate (1948-2022)

TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR

FINDING THE RIGHT CARDIOLOGIST

“It's terribly important to work with somebody that understands cardiac amyloidosis.”

-Dempsey, ATTR-CM Patient

GENETIC TESTING

RUNS IN THE FAMILY

“Genetic testing is very important if you are diagnosed with ATTR-CM. You need to inform your family members if you have the hereditary form of the disease.”

-Randy, hereditary ATTR-CM Patient

CAREGIVER SUPPORT

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

“My husband Brad is my caregiver. I couldn't walk this journey without him.”

-Faye, hereditary ATTR-CM Patient

LOVE DOESN'T QUIT

“It's hard watching Faye go through the struggles that she has. It's not gonna change...how I love her.”

-Brad, Caregiver

ATTR-CM EDUCATION

INCREASING ATTR-CM AWARENESS

“There's such a high incidence of misdiagnosis...healthcare providers, family members, the public in general should be aware of this disease.”

-Randy, hereditary ATTR-CM Patient

COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION

“It is vital that information about ATTR-CM be shared within the African American community, especially.”

-Randy, hereditary ATTR-CM Patient

If you've been diagnosed with heart failure, learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of ATTR-CM.