Over 150 years after his assassination, Abraham Lincoln remains one of the most iconic figures of United States history. Serving as the sixteenth president of the country, Lincoln played an essential role in leading a divided nation during the Civil War. Today, his image lives on in the penny and his infamous memorial at the National Mall in Washington D.C. However, as ubiquitous as Lincoln is, a few mysteries remain surrounding his life. Most peculiarly, people have been speculating for decades whether the former president had Marfan Syndrome.
What is Marfan Syndrome?
Marfan Syndrome is a relatively rare genetic disorder involving the proteins that compose healthy connective tissue. Because of issues with these proteins, the tissue supporting the bones, muscles, and organs of the body is poorly developed. One of the key features of Marfan Syndrome is excessive growth so that tissue stretches and weakens and bones grow longer than normal.
Common symptoms of Marfan Syndrome include a curved spine, a narrow face, heart murmurs, and a protruding or caving breast bone. Some people may have few and mild symptoms while others may suffer more profoundly. The condition can be life threatening because poor connective tissue may strain the aorta.
Did Abraham Lincoln Have Marfan Syndrome?
At 6’4”, Abraham Lincoln was strikingly tall and is the tallest president to ever lead America. During his lifetime, many remarked on his height, long arms, and large hands and feet, all of which are trademark characteristics of Marfan Syndrome. However Lincoln’s stature is not enough alone to conclude whether or not he had the syndrome. When a man with Marfan Syndrome traced his lineage to Lincoln, the theorizing only accelerated. However, some doctors contend that Lincoln lacked other hallmark symptoms like heart or vision problems. For now, there is no conclusion on whether or not the infamous president had Marfan Syndrome or any other genetic condition for that matter, but future tests on Lincoln’s DNA may eventually reveal the secrets of who he truly was.
