South Carolina Resident Faced Heart Condition Diagnosis
An 80-year-old Seneca man was diagnosed with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in 2020.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Heart Disease
Jimmy Addison, a resident of Seneca, South Carolina, received a diagnosis of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy after suffering from heart stiffening. The 80-year-old patient underwent a successful ablation procedure to manage ventricular tachycardia during his treatment.
Why it matters
The condition occurs when misfolded transthyretin proteins accumulate in the heart, leading to fluid buildup and significant health complications. Understanding this diagnosis is essential for patients with similar symptoms, especially given that specific genetic tendencies affect approximately 3.4 percent of people with black African ancestry.
Approximately 3.4 percent of individuals with black African ancestry carry the genetic tendency to develop TTR amyloid. Historically, patients diagnosed with this condition have faced a 50 percent mortality rate within three years of diagnosis.
The players
Jimmy Addison
He is an 80-year-old resident of Seneca, South Carolina, who manages transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.
Dr. Daniel Judge
He is a medical specialist at MUSC Health who focuses on the treatment of amyloidosis.
MUSC Health
This is a medical institution based in Charleston, South Carolina, that provides specialized care for heart conditions.
The details
Dr. Daniel Judge of MUSC Health in Charleston prescribed medication to stabilize the transthyretin protein and enrolled Addison in a clinical trial to manage the disease. In addition to medical intervention, Addison maintains a low-sodium diet and monitors his condition through daily weigh-ins and the use of diuretics to address fluid retention.
Timeline
The first drug for ATTR-CM received FDA approval in 2019.
Jimmy Addison and Dr. Daniel Judge met virtually for the first time on September 9, 2020.
Health Landscape
The medical management of this condition reflects an evolution in care that follows the precedent set by the FDA's 2019 approval of the first drug for ATTR-CM. Current research into antibody-based removal of amyloid deposits and gene-editing therapies suggests a shift toward more targeted interventions for protein-folding disorders.
Patients experiencing fluid retention or signs of heart stiffening should consult with specialists to evaluate genetic risks associated with TTR amyloidosis. Maintaining a low-sodium diet and strictly monitoring fluid intake through daily weigh-ins are essential practical steps for managing the long-term impact of this condition.
The takeaway
Early diagnosis and specialized care are critical for managing transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, a condition historically associated with high mortality rates. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to explore emerging clinical trials and new pharmaceutical options that target the underlying protein accumulation.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in treatment at the Heart Disease section.
