Publisher's Synopsis
People who have Fabry disease don't have the enzymes that break down lipids or fats. These fats collect in blood vessels and tissue, raising the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. This genetic condition is passed from parent to child. Enzyme replacement and oral chaperone therapy can help prevent serious complications.
People who have Fabry disease don't produce enough healthy versions of an enzyme (blood chemical) called alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-GAL). These enzymes prevent sphingolipids, a fat-like substance, from collecting in blood vessels and tissue.Without functioning alpha-GAL enzymes, harmful levels of sphingolipids build up in blood vessels and tissues. Fabry disease affects the heart, kidneys, brain, central nervous system and skin. It is an inherited condition passed from parent to child. It's sometimes called Anderson-Fabry disease.
