Have a Heart for Marfan
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| Amanda Tetlak |
| 2/9/2010 |
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| There`s a lot of talk about the matters of the heart this month. After all, it`s February, but beyond Cupid and his arrow, we`ve told you about being heart healthy. But some conditions that affect the heart can`t really be prevented, but it can be treated. Marfan syndrome is connective tissue disorder that can be deadly if left untreated, but sometimes even treatment is ineffective. Selma Kerzman`s husband died three years ago from complications with Marfan Syndrome. "He had multiple surgeries and that last one just didn`t work too well and he passed away," said Kerzman. Kerzman`s son also has the disorder, but thankfully hasn`t experienced any problems. Basically, connective tissue is the glue that holds the body together and one of the major problems with Marfan Syndrome is that vessels that are made out of that tissue stretch over time and, like a rubber band, will snap if stretched too much. It can also lead to other heart complications. "With Marfan Syndrome, the aorta being the most pressure, will stretch out and you`ll get aneurysms," said Kerzman. If not caught, the aneurysms can burst and can be fatal. People with Marfan syndrome are usually tall with long, thin arms and legs and spider-like fingers. Many times patients will need to have parts of their aorta replaced with grafts, and have aortic valve replacements. February is Have a Heart for Marfan month. One fundraiser is the Hang a Heart campaign where local businesses ask you to donate a dollar to the National Marfan Foundation when you make a purchase. Five businesses in Minot are participating, and one in Bismarck, The Coffee Break shop on 3rd Street and Main Avenue. The shop says it`s happy to host a fundraiser that puts money in the right direction for research and education and to also bring awareness to a disorder not many people know about. "They ask me what`s this for, so they don`t hear much about the disease so now they`re asking questions, they`re more aware of what`s going on," said The Coffee Break Owner Sia Ranjbar. Kerzman hopes that encourages people to get tested for Marfan Syndrome. |
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