Did you know some of the physical characteristics of great athletes can also be those of someone with Marfan syndrome? If not diagnosed and treated, Marfan syndrome can lead to a potentially fatal tear in the aorta, the large blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.

That's why the National Marfan Foundation (NMF) has released the Athlete Alert: Call to Action urging people to learn about Marfan syndrome, recognize it and save a life.

Athlete Alert: Call to Action
The NMF's Athlete Alert encourages the following:

Pre-participation Physical Examinations for student-athletes should meet minimum standards outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics and should be implemented in all sports programs

Parents, coaches and school nurses should be aware of the outward signs of Marfan syndrome

Proper precautions should be put in place when an athlete is diagnosed with Marfan syndrome or a related disorder

Evaluation for Marfan syndrome and related disorders for the entire family if there is a diagnosis

For more information on Marfan syndrome and related disorders, visit www.marfan.org.