Cardiac Concerns


Marfan syndrome cardiac concerns

The most serious and potentially life threatening problem associated with the Marfan syndrome involves the cardiovascular system and some structural deformities of the heart (congenital heart defects).

At least 90% of Marfan cases have cardiac involvement in varying degrees.

The aorta (main artery carrying blood away from the heart) is often wider and more fragile. This widening is progressive and can cause tears (dissection) in the aortic wall and leakage of the aortic and mitral valve. The two leaflets of the mitral valve may billow backwards when the heart contracts (mitral valve prolapse), leading to leakage of the mitral valve or irregular heart rhythm.