Symptoms and Characteristics of Marfan Syndrome
How do doctors know if you have Marfan Syndrome? They look for certain symptoms or characteristics. Now just because someone is tall and thin doesn't mean the have Marfan. Doctors look very deep into this; they give you a check up and check your whole body, inside and out!
Skeletal SystemThe most visible symptoms of Marfan Syndrome are in the skeletal system. These symptoms include:
~Tall, and thin body structure ~Protruding or concaved sternum (chest) ~Flat feet ~Disproprtionatly long arms and legs ~Joints are loose and flexible ~Crowded teeth ~Small bottom jaw ~Long, thin face ~Curved spine ~Weak connective systems EyesMarfan Syndrome can also seriously affect eyes and vision. Symptoms related to eyes and vision include:
~Myopia (nearsightedness) ~Astigmatism (blurred vision) ~Deep-set eyes ~Dislocation of one or both eyes (lazy eye) ~Detached retina because of the weak connective tissue Cardiovascular SystemThe most severe and life threatening Symptoms are related to the cardiovascular system. These symptoms include:
~Aortic dilation ~Aortic dissection ~Fatigue ~Shortness of breath ~Heart palpitations ~Fast heartbeats ~Pain in the chest, back, shoulder, or arm ~Cold arms and feet (because of blood circulation) ~Abnormal pumping of the heart ~Aneurysm (tear in the aorta) Respiratory SystemMarfan Syndrome can also affect the Respiratory System, mainly in the lungs.These symptoms can get very severe. and if not treated, death may occur. Symptoms include:
~Pain ~Shortness of breath ~Cyanosis (blue or purple coloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to tissues being low on oxygen ) ~Sleep apnea (sleep disorder characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing) ~Lung disease |
If you or anyone you know shows multiple symptoms, visit a doctor as soon as possible.