Randy Ramcharitar, MD
Randy Ramcharitar, MD, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine’s Cardiovascular Division, was featured on Virginia TV stations and nationally discussing Marfan syndrome.
Marfan syndrome is a vascular condition that can affect athletes. It impacts connective tissue throughout the body, including the heart, blood vessels, bones, joints, lungs, and eyes. Individuals with Marfan syndrome face a heightened risk of developing aneurysms due to the weakened connective tissue in their arteries, which are less capable of withstanding stress.
Dr. Ramcharitar discusses the risks for athletes if the condition goes undiagnosed. “Competitive and contact sports, as well as activities that lead to straining, grunting, bearing down, and just exertion to exhaustion, are generally avoided due to the concerns related to the stress on the aorta,” said Dr. Ramcharitar.
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