General Information: Marfan syndrome causes changes in the fibers that make up the body. The most dramatically effected fibers are those in the bones, joints, eyes, blood vessels and heart. The most distinctive thing about people with Marfan's syndrome is how tall they are. This is because their long bones grow longer and faster than their bodies. Also common with thys syndrome is scoliosis (curving of the spine) and nearsightedness. Because of their height, it is believed that many basketball players my have Marfan syndrome. This would also be why many young basketball players have been dying of heart attacks.
Chromosomal cause: The gene responsible for Marfan syndrome is located on chromosome 15. This condition is dominant, and is frequently passed from parent to child. There may be related symptoms due to a gene on chromosome three.
Characteristics: A child may be diagnosed early with Marfan Syndrome if they have weak muscles and connective tissue. They tend to grow taller than average and the bones of their faces may seem long as well. Do to so much growing, the muscles and ligaments get all stretched out of place. This includes the aorta, or the big vessel coming out of the heart. It weakens considerably. The people with this disease may grow unusually tall. It is believed that Abraham Lincoln had Marfan Syndrome. Most people with Marfan syndrome die of heart-related problems by the age of 50.
Marfan Syndrome 
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