Diagnosing Marfan Syndrome in Southern California

Marfan syndrome is a condition that affects connective tissues in the body, including tissues that support the blood vessels and aorta. People who have Marfan syndrome should have their heart health evaluated by a doctor to avoid possibly life-threatening complications.

At Dignity Health Southern California, we partner with you to keep your heart healthy and working as it should. Find a Doctor online to meet with one of our specialists to learn more about Marfan syndrome at one of our convenient locations in Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Glendale, and San Bernardino.

Marfan Syndrome Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Marfan syndrome can vary and have different degrees of severity.

In general, people with Marfan syndrome exhibit several traits that indicate their connective tissue is not as rigid as it should be. These traits can include: 

  • Unusually flexible joints
  • An abnormally curved spine
  • Flat feet
  • Being tall and slim in stature
  • A sunken chest

Marfan syndrome can cause several complications, especially to the heart and blood vessels. When Marfan causes heart problems, it may produce signs and symptoms, including:

  • Heart murmur
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations

If you are experiencing chest pain, call 911. Chest pain can be a sign of a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.

Causes of Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation that suppresses the body’s production of a protein called fibrillin. People with Marfan syndrome have a 50 percent chance of passing the defective gene to their children. However, only three-quarters of the people with Marfan syndrome inherits the condition from a parent — the remainder are born with it for no known reason.

Treatment of Marfan Syndrome at Dignity Health Southern California

Treatment strategies for Marfan syndrome focus on preventing and treating complications. Your treatment for cardiovascular complications of Marfan syndrome at Dignity Health Southern California may consist of: 

  • Surgery
  • Medications
  • Lifelong monitoring of the heart and aorta

Rely on us to help keep your heart strong, and use our online evaluation to assess your heart health.

Dignity Health provides specialized and coordinated care for Marfan syndrome in Southern California.