Marfan's SyndromeNancy McDaniel M.D.In this heart defect the heart has four chambers and four valves. The heart defect is an enlargement of the body artery (aorta) just above the aortic valve. Part of the aorta which goes to the upper body can be enlarged as well. Marfan's syndrome comes from a genetic defect of the tissue that is the support system for the organs of the body (connective tissue). People with Marfan's syndrome often are very tall with very flexible joints (double jointed) and often have eye problems requiring glasses and sometimes surgery. Evaluation by a genetics doctor is recommended. Some heart doctors recommend medicine to try and prevent the aorta from continuing to get bigger. Sometimes the aorta has to be replaced with an operation. Competitive sports are usually not recommended.
 Normal Heart  |