That's a really important question to raise, and it's worth understanding why early genetic testing can matter — even before heart symptoms appear.
With wild-type ATTR, genetic testing isn't typically needed since it's not inherited. However, if your hATTR typing was ambiguous, that changes things a bit. Here's why earlier Show Full Answer
That's a really important question to raise, and it's worth understanding why early genetic testing can matter — even before heart symptoms appear.
With wild-type ATTR, genetic testing isn't typically needed since it's not inherited. However, if your hATTR typing was ambiguous, that changes things a bit. Here's why earlier genetic clarity can be valuable:
- Treatment options differ between wild-type and hATTR — some medications are only approved for one type
- Early treatment works best before organ damage occurs, as most therapies can slow progression but can't reverse existing damage
- A confirmed hATTR mutation could also have implications for blood relatives who may want to be tested Waiting until the heart is affected could mean missing a window for more effective treatment. It may be worth getting a second opinion from an amyloidosis specialist, as they see this condition more regularly than general cardiologists and may have a different perspective on the timing of genetic testing.
A MyAmyloidosisTeam member in a similar situation found that seeking care at a dedicated amyloidosis center helped them get clearer answers much sooner.
August 9
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