A gene variant could increase the chances of developing heart failure for Black Americans, according to a new study.
Released by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Duke University, out of data from four NIH studies, the study found that a variant, known as the transthyretin variant, was traceable in three to four percent of Black Americans, amounting to about 1.5 million out of 48 million Black Americans.
Amongst those who have this genetic variant, there was an increased risk of developing heart failure in their 60s. Once they reached the age of 70, there was also an increase in fatal cases with carriers passing away at a rate that was two to 2.5 years earlier than the average. Per the researchers, an expected one million years of life will be lost amongst those individuals that carry the gene.
With the V142I variant, a protein known as transthyretin is impacted, leading to the building of the amyloid protein in the heart and other body parts. The build up in deposits leads to muscles thickening, developing a heart condition that eventually leads to failure.
“We believe these data will inform clinicians and patients regarding risk when these genetic findings are known, either through family screening, medical, or even commercial genetic testing,” said senior author and Professor of Medicine Scott D. Solomon, MD. “There are now several potential new therapies for cardiac amyloidosis, and understanding the magnitude of this risk, at the individual and societal level, will help determine which patients might be best suited for novel therapies.”
In this author interview, @senthil_selv of @dukeheartcenter and @scottdsolomon of @brighamwomens discuss cardiac amyloidosis and the V142I transthyretin variant and more with JAMA Executive Editor Gregory Curfman. Hosted on @amaedhub. https://t.co/20Y5l7MKOa #HeartFailure2024
— JAMA (@JAMA_current) May 12, 2024
For years, researchers have emphasized the increased risk Black Americans face when it comes to developing heart disease and having strokes.
As heart disease continues to be the number one killer in the U.S., Black Americans continue to record the highest rates out of any other demographic affected. Per the American Heart Association, approximately 60% of Black American adults have been diagnosed with heart disease.
Although there are biological contributors to this higher rate, the lack of Black cardiologists has also been identified as contributing to the lack of heart health in Black patients. Currently, less than 3% of all cardiologists are Black, denying Black patients proper access to preventative care.
“Underrepresented medical professionals are more likely to practice in their communities where cultural sensitivity can create trust and their presence have been shown to improve outcomes,” said the American Heart Association per NBC News. “This connection is particularly important among Black Americans when it comes to heart health.”
