Noonan Syndrome

Noonan syndrome is a genetic condition that can affect your child in many ways. While some children born with this condition have mild symptoms, others can have more issues.

Symptoms typically include unusual facial features such as a tall forehead and wide-set eyes, lower-set ears and a shorter neck. Many children born with Noonan syndrome also have short stature (short height compared to those the same age), eye issues, low muscle tone and congenital (from birth) heart disease.

While Noonan syndrome has no cure, your healthcare provider can recommend guidance to keep your child as healthy as possible. Your provider will also work closely with you to help prevent complications or catch them early, so your child can lead a full, active life.

Who gets Noonan syndrome?

Anyone can be born with Noonan syndrome. About 50% of people with Noonan syndrome have a parent with the condition. In most cases, a person with Noonan syndrome has a 50% chance of passing the condition on to their child.

How common is Noonan syndrome?

Noonan syndrome is a relatively common genetic disorder. It occurs in up to 1 out of every 1,000 to 2,500 people.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

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Diagnosis & treatment

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