Research fmd, which causes strokes and heart attacks in young women. FMDSA, the Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America

Fibromuscular dysplasia affects muscle cells in artery walls, causing strokes and heart attacks. Affected arteries can be anywhere in the body, but most often renal and carotid arteries are diseased. Due to better imaging techniques, more are being diagnosed and treated in the last few years. FMDSA is funding a registry at the University of Michigan where they are collecting data about fmd, a supposed rare disease which may be underdiagnosed. Since FMD is underdiagnosed, people, mainly young women, can spend years seeing multiple doctors for help without success before finally being diagnosed. Data from registry participants at major hospitals all over the United States is being entered in an attempt to determine what diagnostic and treatment options work best. The registry will help researchers find volunteers. Mayo Clinic and the National Institues of Health, separately, are collecting blood and tissue samples from patients with fmd in attempts to understand fmd and find a cure.