STORY SUMMARY
Baseball Hall of Famer Lee Arthur Smith, renowned for his prowess as a Major League closer, recently underwent a successful heart transplant surgery in Dallas after being diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis, a genetic heart condition more prevalent among African-Americans. Smith experienced symptoms including severe shortness of breath and fatigue, initially disregarding them as mere signs of aging. His wife, Diana, however, pushed for further medical evaluation, leading them to Baylor Scott and White, where the condition was identified. Dr. Amarinda Bendra of the facility noted that such genetic disorders often go undiagnosed, with patients typically consulting multiple providers before receiving the accurate diagnosis. Cardiac amyloidosis results from abnormal protein deposits in the body and can have varied early indicators such as joint pain, erectile dysfunction, and frequent surgeries. Smith now feels reinvigorated post-surgery and emphasizes the importance of regular health check-ups for early detection and treatment of potential issues.
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FULL STORY
Baseball Hall of Famer Lee Arthur Smith recently overcame a significant health scare after discovering he had cardiac amyloidosis, a rare heart condition that is surprisingly common among African-Americans. Last month, Smith underwent successful heart transplant surgery in Dallas and is now advocating for increased awareness and early detection of the disease. This lifelong athlete, known for his storied career as a Major League Baseball pitcher with over 25 saves in multiple seasons, initially dismissed his symptoms, attributing them to aging despite being a seasoned player and part-time farmer.
Smith first noticed his condition when he started experiencing severe shortness of breath performing routine activities like tying his shoes. His wife, Diana, played a crucial role in pushing for further medical evaluations, suspecting that his health issues were interconnected. After extensive research and doctor visits, the couple went to Baylor Scott and White in Dallas, where Dr. Amarinda Bendra diagnosed Smith with cardiac amyloidosis—a genetic disorder causing abnormal protein deposits in the body. According to Dr. Bendra, patients often see multiple healthcare providers before receiving a correct diagnosis, as the condition can manifest in ways that are challenging to identify, including joint pain, strokes, and erectile dysfunction.
Smith’s story highlights the importance of persistence in healthcare, particularly for conditions that disproportionately affect specific populations like African-Americans. Smith credits his wife’s insistence and Dr. Bendra’s expertise with saving his life. Now, he is urging others, especially men, to pay attention to their bodies and seek medical advice when unusual symptoms arise. Smith’s recovery has been positive, and he feels rejuvenated post-surgery. His experience underscores the necessity for regular checkups and underscores how early intervention can be life-saving.
