Fabry Disease
Several types of heart abnormalities can be found in people with Fabry
disease. Sometimes, these abnormalities are mild and do not cause major
health problems. However, these abnormalities may lead to congestive
heart failure, heart attack (cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction),
or abnormalities in the heart beat (arrhythmias). Serious heart problems
may need to be treated with a pacemaker, surgery, and/or medication.
The mitral valve, which connects two of the heart's chambers, opens
and closes to ensure that blood flows in the proper direction through
the heart. In MVP, the mitral valve doesn't close correctly, and some
blood may leak backward instead of being pushed forward. MVP generally
does not cause health problems. Some people with the condition are advised
to take antibiotics before undergoing surgery or dental procedures,
to prevent infection of the valve.
The left ventricle is one of the four chambers of the heart. When the
wall of this chamber is thicker than normal, it is said to be hypertrophic.
This thickening causes weakening of the left ventricle and interferes
with the heart's ability to pump blood.
This group of problems is caused by abnormalities in the way the heart
beats. In some cases, an abnormal heartbeat may cause medical problems,
including a heart attack.
GL-3 accumulation in the blood vessels of the heart may narrow the vessels,
so that less blood is able to flow through. If blood flow is severely
impaired, a heart attack may result.
The above conditions, and other heart problems, may be diagnosed and
monitored with electrocardiography or EKG (a test that measures the
electrical current of the heart) and echocardiography (a test that uses
ultrasound to take a picture of the heart).
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