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I Put Off a Routine Scan. It Caught the Condition That Killed My Dad

I Put Off a Routine Scan. It Caught the Condition That Killed My Dad

Summary

A woman named Alyce Collins shares how delaying a routine health scan led to the discovery of a serious genetic heart condition that also caused her father’s death. While pregnant, she was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that weakens connective tissue and can cause dangerous heart problems, and she was closely watched by doctors during her pregnancy and delivery.

Key Facts

  • Alyce Collins’ father died at age 55 from an aortic dissection, a tear in the main artery from the heart.
  • She began showing symptoms like shortness of breath and dizziness during pregnancy in 2023.
  • Because of her family history, doctors ordered heart scans and genetic tests.
  • Genetic testing revealed Alyce has a mutation in the FBN1 gene linked to Marfan syndrome.
  • Marfan syndrome affects connective tissue and can cause aorta enlargement, tall stature, and vision problems.
  • She had frequent heart ultrasounds during pregnancy to monitor the size of her aorta.
  • Alyce delivered her daughter by Caesarean at 36 weeks under close medical supervision.
  • She experienced heavy bleeding after delivery and spent a day in intensive care.
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