135: Genetic testing helped Art Still to survive amyloidosis | stenosis | atrial fibrillation

Art Still's body felt the ravages of playing professional football for twelve years, but when he suffered atrial fibrillation, he sought medical attention.  His doctor suggested he undergo a genetic test, which revealed he had the variant for a disease known as amyloidosis.  While not cancer, if left untreated in a timely manner, it can lead to various types of blood cancer.  Early detection, periodic shots and medication will not get rid of the variant, but they will team up to keep from developing into blood cancer.  Art pays attention to diet, exercise and the right amount of sleep, and says he enjoys a healthy lifestyle.   Art accepted carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and a torn biceps muscle as the byproducts of his NFL career, but atrial fibrillation was different. Through the National Football League Players Association, he went to New Orleans for a thorough physical and mental examination. His doctor suggested Art undergo a genetic test to see if Art had a variant for amyloidosis, a disease which if left untreated can be linked to various types of blood cancer.  A brother of his had undergone heart replacement, and another brother needs one.  That combined with the suggestion from the doctor was enough to get Art to take the test, and sure enough, it indicated he had the V122I variant, which Art says affects one in 25 African-Americans.   He is now on a regimen that includes medications and periodic shots.  It will not rid Art of the variant, but keeps it at bay so that it doesn't become cancerous, affecting other organs like kidneys and the brain.   Art Still wants to maximize awareness of amyloidosis, and has established a website that provides a wealth of information on the subject so that like Art, others can get in front of the disease.   Additional Resources:   Art's website: https://www.amyloidosisarmy.org Art's website raising awareness for rare heart disease: https://www.still4life.org