It has been said that about 1 in 5,000 people have Marfan Syndrome, including men and women of all races and ethnic groups. About 3 out of 4 people with Marfan Syndrome inherit it, meaning they get the genetic mutation from a parent who has it.
But some people with Marfan Syndrome are the first in their family to have it. When this happens, it is called a spontaneous mutation. There are approximately 50 percent chance that a person with Marfan Syndrome will pass along the genetic mutation.
TOP 5 FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO HAS MARFAN SYNDROME
5. Troye Sivan
Born on the 5th of June, 1995. Australian singer, songwriter and of course a YouTuber sensation, currently has over 4 million subscribers. Sivan is living with a mild form of Marfan Syndrome and he hasn't let it slow him down.
4. Sergei Rachmaninoff
A Russian pianist and composer that first began playing the piano at age 4. Born into a family that was musically gifted, he excelled in both composition and his instrument.
It is speculated that he suffered from Marfan Syndrome as he possessed several physical attributes that indicated this distinct possibility. He was not exceptionally tall, he also had extremely large hands and fingers, which allowed him to achieve an impressive finger stretch when playing the piano.
3. Vincent Schiavelli
Actor Vincent Schiavelli was a well-known presence on the silver screen. He starred in many Hollywood movies include "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest", "Man on the Moon", "Taking Off", and "Tomorrow Never Dies". He sadly passed away on December 26th, 2005 after battling lung cancer.
He was well known for his towering height of 6 ft 4 in which was attributed along with his facial appearance, in Marfan Syndrome.
2. Abraham Lincoln
The 16th President of the United States of America, Abraham Lincoln, served from March 1861 until April 1865 when he was assassinated. He is now one of the most recognisable American historical figures and is possibly best known for his efforts to unite the States and put a stop to slavery. Many believe that the president is among the most famous people with Marfan Syndrome because of both his physical traits and his health issues.
Photographs of Abraham Lincoln shows evidence of muscle wasting and weight loss. His tall, slender frame and elongated, thin fingers are also indicators of this possibility.
1. Michael Phelps
The first place of the top 10 famous people with Marfan Syndrome is Michael Phelps, famously known as the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 22 medals earned over the course of three Olympiads.
Although Michael Phelps has never publicly stated that he is suffering from Marfan Syndrome, many believe that his formidable height of 6 ft 4 in, his arm span of 6 ft 7 in, his knee hyper-mobility, and his appearance are all indicators of the existence of this condition.
Marfan Syndrome (also known as MFS) owes its namesake to a French paediatrician by the name Antoine Bernard-Jean Marfan. Fancy name ain't it? Marfan Syndrome is a disorder that affects connective tissue. So what are connective tissues? Basically, they are proteins that support skin, bones, blood vessels, and other organs.
Did you know that fibrillin is a protein that caused this disease? A problem with the fibrillin gene causes Marfan Syndrome.
People with Marfan Syndrome are usually tall and thin with disproportionately long arms, legs, fingers and toes.
We are the chosen ones from Genetic Disorder QDS20103, are creating awareness on Marfan Syndrome. Follow us for more updates on this discussion! Let us introduce ourselves. From left Shameme, Hanis, Dania, Jasmine, Najihah followed by Zaliya.