Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand
Professor of Medicine
Tulane University School of Medicine
Presented by
You’re invited
Cardiac Amyloidosis
Know What
Lies Within.
Join Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand, Kimberly Simon, Dr. Calvin Williams and more to learn about a lesser-known heart disease impacting the African American community.
In ATTR-CM, a protein builds up in the heart, making it stiff and harder to pump blood.
By invitation only
Save the date
November 21
9 AM–noon
Join us at
New Orleans East Hospital
5620 Read Blvd.
Learn together
Meet the speakers
Kimberly Simon
Founder and President
Heart & Heritage
Health Foundation
Dr. Calvin Williams
Director of Health
Ministry, GSSEGBC
What to expect
Learn. Share.
Help our
community.
- 01
A moderated panel
A conversation about cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM).
- 02
Patient & caregiver testimonials
Hear their experiences in their own words.
- 03
Information you can share
Information to help patients and caregivers speak up for their needs.
- 04
Community discussion & more
Learn together and take the conversation back to your community.
Make a difference
Attend the seminar.
Share what you learn.
Help our community better understand and manage cardiac amyloidosis.
Questions & answers
Understanding ATTR-CM
Common questions about transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy and what it means for our community.
What is ATTR amyloidosis?
ATTR amyloidosis happens when a protein called transthyretin folds incorrectly and builds up in the body. These deposits can affect the heart, nerves, and other tissues.
What does ATTR-CM mean?
ATTR-CM is the form that affects the heart muscle. Protein buildup can make the heart stiff, making it harder to fill with blood and pump effectively. American Heart Association ↗
What symptoms should I know about?
Possible symptoms include shortness of breath, unusual tiredness, swelling in the feet or legs, and an irregular heartbeat. Carpal tunnel syndrome or numbness and tingling can also be clues. These symptoms have many possible causes and do not automatically mean someone has ATTR-CM.
Does ATTR always run in families?
No. Hereditary ATTR is linked to a gene change that can pass from parent to child. Another form, called wild-type ATTR, is not inherited and usually develops in older adults.
Why is awareness important in the African American community?
A gene change associated with hereditary ATTR is more common among people with African ancestry. Having that gene change does not mean someone will definitely develop the disease. ATTR can affect people of any racial or ethnic background. Mayo Clinic ↗
How is ATTR-CM diagnosed?
Diagnosis may involve heart imaging, blood and urine tests, and a specialized heart scan. Sometimes a tissue biopsy is needed. Doctors must distinguish ATTR from other types of amyloidosis because treatments differ.
Can ATTR-CM be treated?
Yes. Treatments can slow disease progression and help manage symptoms. Although there is no single treatment that cures ATTR-CM or reverses all heart damage, recognizing it earlier can help people receive appropriate care sooner. Mayo Clinic ↗
What if someone in my family has hereditary ATTR?
Talk with your healthcare provider about genetic counseling and whether testing is appropriate. A genetic counselor can explain your family's risk, what test results mean, and possible next steps. American Heart Association ↗
By invitation only
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