What does Marfan syndrome do?

What does Marfan syndrome do?

Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition that affects connective tissue, which provides support for the body and organs. Marfan syndrome can damage the blood vessels, heart, eyes, skin, lungs, and the bones of the hips, spine, feet, and rib cage.

What is the life expectancy of a person with Marfan syndrome?

Despite the high risk for Marfan related cardiovascular problems, the average life expectancy of those with Marfan syndrome is nearly 70 years. The life expectancy in this syndrome has increased to greater than 25% since 1972.

What does someone with Marfan syndrome look like?

People with Marfan syndrome are often very tall and thin. Their arms, legs, fingers and toes may seem out of proportion, too long for the rest of their body. Their spine may be curved and their breastbone (sternum) may either stick out or be indented. Their joints may be weak and easily become dislocated.

At what age is Marfan syndrome usually diagnosed?

Study Patients. Their ages when the Marfan syndrome was first diagnosed ranged from 32 to 72 years (mean age, 46 years). Of these 28 patients, 7 were older than 50 years of age at the time of initial diagnosis.

What are 4 symptoms of Marfan syndrome?

Marfan syndrome features may include:

• Tall and slender build.
• Disproportionately long arms, legs and fingers.
• A breastbone that protrudes outward or dips inward.
• A high, arched palate and crowded teeth.
• Heart murmurs.
• Extreme nearsightedness.
• An abnormally curved spine.
• Flat feet.

Can you gain weight with Marfan syndrome?

(Note: Weight lifting is not a safe activity for people with Marfan syndrome as it puts too much strain on the heart and aorta.) Some people with Marfan syndrome do put on more weight as they get older; therefore, it’s important to have healthy eating habits now even though you main not gain any weight.

Is Marfan a disability?

People who are properly diagnosed with Marfan syndrome are often able to lead normal lives with treatment. However, severe cases that do not respond to treatment can cause a person to be considered disabled.

Does Marfan syndrome get worse with age?

Marfan syndrome can be mild to severe, and may become worse with age, depending on which area is affected and to what degree. In Marfan syndrome, the heart is often affected.

Why are people with Marfan syndrome so tall?

Marfan syndrome is caused by defects in a gene called fibrillin-1. Fibrillin-1 plays an important role as the building block for connective tissue in the body. The gene defect also causes the long bones of the body to grow too much. People with this syndrome have tall height and long arms and legs.

What famous person has Marfan syndrome?

Abraham Lincoln is the most famous American who had Marfan syndrome.

Can you be short with Marfan syndrome?

It affects males and females of all races and ethnicities. Children who have Marfan syndrome are usually tall and thin, with long arms, long double-jointed fingers, a short torso, and very long legs.

Can you have Marfan syndrome without heart problems?

Even though heart and blood vessel problems affect about 9 out of every 10 people diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, there is good news. If you get diagnosed, you have a lot of options, including having surgery, taking medications and changing your physical activities.

Can you donate blood if you have Marfan syndrome?

Must not donate if: Has heart or blood vessel involvement. If there is no heart or blood vessel involvement, accept.

How many people died from marfans?

The annual death rate for MFS cases was 0.0087 deaths/year/patient and for controls 0.0025 deaths/year/patient. The median age at diagnosis was 38.5 years for deceased (range 0–75) and median age at death was 50 years for MFS cases (range 0–85 years) and 60 years (range 1–91 years) for controls.

What can you not eat with Marfan syndrome?

People with Marfan syndrome are recommended to have a balanced, nutritious, healthy diet, with restrictions on salt, cholesterol and animal fats. Vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements and protein derivatives have shown no real benefit, so are not specially recommended.

How do you rule out Marfan syndrome?

Heart tests If your doctor suspects Marfan syndrome, one of the first tests he or she may recommend is an echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to capture real-time images of your heart in motion. It checks the condition of your heart valves and the size of your aorta.