Search Media Items

If you have been diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, it is important to follow your treatment plan, make healthy lifestyle changes, and get mental health support. Learn how to prevent or reduce complications in the future. If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, discuss the possible risks with your doctor.

While Marfan syndrome has no cure, treatments can help delay or prevent complications, especially when started early. The type of treatment you receive will depend on what parts of your body are affected and the severity of your condition. You may have a team of doctors and specialists to coordinate your care.

Signs and symptoms of Marfan syndrome depend on which parts of the body are affected and the severity of the condition. Some people have few or no signs or symptoms, while others experience severe symptoms or life-threatening complications.

If you have a known family history of Marfan syndrome or physical features of the condition, your doctor may recommend screening to find the condition early. Relatives of people who have Marfan syndrome may also want to have genetic screening. There is no way to prevent Marfan syndrome.

Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition caused by a mutation, or change, in one of your genes, called the fibrillin-1 (FBN1) gene. The FBN1 gene makes fibrillin-1, which is a protein that forms elastic fibers within connective tissue. Fibrillin-1 also affects levels of another protein that helps control how you grow.