Marfan syndrome heart disease...?

my boyfriend has it, but im not really sure what it is exactly... in a few years he cannot play soccer anymore because of it.. so what is it?

Marfans syndrome is a genetic disorder, which effects all the elastic and connective tissues in the body. these types of tissues are found in arteries, veins, skin, ligaments, and tendons. There are genes in your DNA that code for special proteins called elastins. Elastins form a network with each other and this is what makes up the elastic and connective tissues throughout the body. Normally, this network of tissues is very tough and durable. However, the mutation causes the tissues to be extremely weak and delicate.

People with this disorder have a mutation in this specific gene which results in the elastic and connective tissues to be weakened. People with this mutation are usually thin and VERY tall. People with this disorder are prone to aortic aneurysms which is life threatening. There are elastic tissues in all the arteries in your body. The artery that is most effected with this condition is the Aorta. This is the artery that connects directly to the heart and travels down the center of your body. All the other arteries branch off the Aorta. unfortunately, the genetic mutation causes the aorta to be very weak and can not withstand high blood pressures. Over time, the aorta will weaken and form an aneurysm. This Aneurysm must be medically monitored because they can rupture and cause the person to bleed to death in a matter of seconds. There is no cure for Marfans syndrome and the aneurysms must be surgically removed. Source(s): I work in cardiac surgery

Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder of the connective tissue characterized by disproportionately long limbs, long thin fingers, a realtively tall stature and a predisposition to cardiovascular abnormalities, specifically affecting the heart valves and aorta. The disease may also affect numerous other structures and organs 鈥?including the lungs, eyes, dural sac surrounding the spinal cord, and hard palate.

See my source for more information on all of those areas affected.

RN
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/marfan_synd...
It's a disease of the connective tissue. A common heart problem in people who have marfan's syndrome is a rupture of the aorta.
It's a connective tissue disease and people usually are abnormally tall, but it can affect the heart because the aorta can burst.
Human Genome Project class at Univ. of Oregon via student presentations (a classmate had it). Also confirmed on WebMD