Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue, a group of interconnective tissues which support the skeletal structure and maintain internal organs and muscles. The syndrome can lead to serious complications, such as a form of cardiovascular disease called angina pectoris, which causes chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fainting. A form of liver disease called hepatocellular carcinoma, also known as hepatic adenomas, can develop in people with Marfan Syndrome. Marfan Syndrome is also linked to pulmonary hypertension, a condition that causes the blood vessels around the heart to enlarge and thickens, causing difficulty in pumping blood through the heart and lungs.
Marfan Syndrome is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion and can be caused by a combination of a gene responsible for X-linked inheritance, an inherited gene related to the fatty acids or cholesterol or a protein gene. Although there are no specific medications that can be used to treat the Marfan Syndrome, many medical experts believe that lifestyle modifications such as exercise, weight control and nutritional supplements may help the disorder. However, Marfan Syndrome cannot be prevented completely.
While many medical conditions and diseases share similar symptoms, not all of them share the same cause
Marfan Syndrome, however, is one of those conditions that is characterized by a series of symptoms that all point to one common cause. There is no known cure for the Marfan Syndrome, but a variety of treatment options are available. Some of these treatment options are available without the help of a doctor, but most of these options involve the use of prescription medications or over the counter medicines.
Symptoms of Marfan Syndrome include high blood pressure, a decreased blood clotting ability, fluid retention, chest pain, heart arrhythmias, breathing difficulties, seizures and an increased risk of infection. These symptoms can vary in severity, depending on the individual, and can present in different ways. Some sufferers may notice chest pain when they first begin to have symptoms, while others may notice the pain only during or after exertion. Others may feel pressure building up in the chest, as if a brick wall was being pulled down.
Signs of this disease include muscle cramps, a feeling of heaviness in the chest and sometimes chest pains that can last for several days
The symptoms may start out as a slight discomfort that gradually increases until severe cramps are experienced. or they can start out as chest pain, swelling, chest discomfort and even weakness in the chest. Eventually, the sufferer may feel a feeling of impending death.
Marfan Syndrome can be diagnosed by performing a medical history test, performing a physical examination and having a health history performed on the person. A blood test can also be done, and a physical exam is another way to diagnose Marfan Syndrome. When you visit a doctor with any of these signs, he or she will ask questions about medications taken, such as any medications that the patient has been taking, and any previous illnesses that the patient may have had.
Some doctors will recommend a series of blood tests to determine if the syndrome is actually the cause of your symptoms. This may include tests such as an HIV antibody test, a test known as a Western blot assay, and a test known as a red blood cell test. Sometimes doctors do laboratory tests, such as ESR tests. In a laboratory test known as an HIV antibody test, the presence of HIV antibodies in a patient's blood may indicate that the person has Marfan syndrome. You can read more about this test at iHealzy.com.
In addition to standard treatment options, some doctors may recommend medications that can help control symptoms and reduce the likelihood of complications. They may also suggest surgery if the condition is found to be more serious than meets the eye. In some cases, treatment is unnecessary and the condition may go away on its own. However, if the condition becomes too severe or if the patient is at risk of developing other conditions due to the syndrome, then it is time to look at the medical options. Because complications of Marfan syndrome can become life-threatening, it is important to do your best to avoid complications.
