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How can Marfan syndrome create a risk for sudden death in young athletes?

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Infographic showing estimated lives saved by childhood vaccinations worldwide from 1974 to 2024, with syringe-shaped bars for each disease. Measles tops the list at 93.71 million lives saved, followed by tetanus, whooping cough, and others, for a total of 153.84 million lives saved. — childhood disease and disorder Vaccines and the estimates of lives saved over the period 1974–2024.

Marfan syndrome is a genetic connective tissue disorder that poses a significant risk for sudden death in young athletes primarily due to its impact on the cardiovascular system.12

The condition causes a defect in the production of fibrillin, a protein essential for the structural integrity of connective tissues. In the heart and blood vessels, this weakness affects the middle coat of the great vessels, leading to serious complications such as:12

Aortic Aneurysm: A weakening and bulging of the wall of the ascending aorta.12
Aortic Dissection: A tear in the inner layer of the aorta.1
Aortic Rupture: A complete, often fatal, tear through all layers of the aorta.1

Because high-exertion activities can place extreme stress on these already compromised cardiovascular tissues, individuals with Marfan syndrome are typically advised to avoid such activities to prevent life-threatening events. While the condition cannot be cured, routine monitoring and medications that control blood pressure are critical for managing the risk of these fatal complications.132