Coping with MARFAN SYNDROME

This genetic disorder of the connective tissues affects body structure and internal organ support

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Cycle to work

Mortality rates in people who cycled to work were half of those who took the car or bus, according to The Scottish Longitudinal Study. It followed 80,000 adults over 18 years, using GP record linkage, after controlling for pre-existing health conditions and socio-economic status. Cyclists also had lower risks of hospitalisation, cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental health problems. Pedestrian commuting was also beneficial, but to a lesser extent.

Marfan syndrome affects one in 5,000 people in the UK. Although rare, it's one of the most common connective tissue disorders, passed to a child from an affected parent. The gene defect leads to reduced production of a protein called fibrillin, resulting in parts of the body being able to stretch abnormally when placed under tension.

People with Marfan syndrome often develop stretch marks because the tissue in their skin is weakened and less elastic. The defective fibrillin gene also causes some bones to grow longer than they should, especially the arms and legs. In some cases, neither parent has the syndrome but the fibrillin gene changes (mutates) in the parent's egg or sperm.