Following are tools to help affected individuals and families.

Ritter Rules- life-saving reminders to recognize, treat and prevent thoracic aortic dissection, a deadly tear in the large artery that carries blood away from the heart. Named for actor John Ritter, who died of a thoracic aortic dissection, Ritter Rules combine knowledge with action. Know the urgency, symptoms, who is most at risk and which imaging tests are required to diagnose this medical emergency.

Emergency Alert Card- tri-fold card that expresses the urgency of proper evaluation of chest/back/abdominal pain in the emergency room.  Carry this with you to help ensure that ER personnel will take your concerns seriously in the event of an emergency.

Family Health History Template- primarily a diagnostic tool, can be used to compile important health information about you and your family members to save time during early diagnostic appointments.  Can also be used to determine other health risks not related to Marfan syndrome.

Emergency Information Packet Template- be prepared in the event of an emergency by having all your personal medical information easily available in a single file.  Includes emergency contacts, allergies, medications and dosage, medical and surgical history, healthcare proxy, etc.

Hospital Interview Form- find out whether or not your local hospital is equipped to handle aortic emergencies by following this list of relevant questions about their services.

Heart of the Matter Fact Sheet Series- Download plain language facts sheets on a variety of topics to help friends and family, school personnel, and others understand Marfan syndrome.