While both the Ehlers Danlos and Marfan syndromes are different and can affect your body differently, they may be confused due to some similar symptoms. People with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome have connective tissue weaknesses so it is in people with Marfan syndrome, as a result, both have flexible joints. However, some of the easy to see signs that distinguish Marfan include tall and thin body, longer arms, a curved spine, and flat feet. This should actually not be Ehlers Danlos VS Marfan, instead, it should be whether it’s Ehlers-Danlos or Marfan, and how it can be treated.

What is Marfan Syndrome?

It’s autosomal dominant, meaning just one copy of the faulty gene (FBN1 gene) causes it. About 75% inherited it from a parent; 25% are de novo [new spontaneous mutation].

Understand Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)

A group of genetic conditions. Most types are autosomal dominant, some are autosomal recessive (need two faulty gene copies), and some appear sporadically as a new mutation.

Main Features & Symptoms: EDS vs Marfan

Feature	Ehlers-Danlos (EDS)	Marfan Syndrome
Connective tissue issue	Collagen defects → stretchy skin, fragile tissues	Fibrillin-1 defect → weak elastic fibers in connective tissue
Skin & joints	Hyperextensible skin, hypermobile joints, frequent dislocations	Flexible joints, but skeletal signs like tall, long limbs, curved spine
Vascular risks	Vascular EDS can cause fragile arteries/organs → risk of rupture, colonic perforation	Risk of aortic (body’s largest and major artery) enlargement, dissection (tear), valve issues
Eyes	Not as common	Lens dislocation, early glaucoma/cataracts
Bones & skeleton	Joint pain, scoliosis, osteoarthritis	Tall, long limbs/fingers, pectus excavatum, scoliosis

Symptoms can overlap—hence the similarity between “Marfan Ehlers-Danlos”—especially in the chest and joint areas, but the root cause differs.

Ehlers Danlos VS Marfan Syndrome: Treatment and Management Options

While both Marfan and Ehler-Danlos syndrome are not curable, proper treatment can help manage these disorders.

Managing Marfan Syndrome: Key Treatments and Care

Please note that Marfan syndrome is not possible until now; however, with proper care and medication, management of this disorder is possible.

• Physical Activity: Light to moderate exercise is highly encouraged, as this keeps your blood pressure normal, thus minimizing the chances of strain on the aorta.
• Medications: beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs to protect the heart/aorta.
• Regular check-ups with imaging for the aorta.
• Surgery if needed (e.g., aortic repair).

Key Treatments and Care for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

Just like Marfan, EDS also does not have a cure till now. However, this disorder can be managed with the help of close care.

• Physical Therapy, joint bracing, and strengthening muscles.
• Pain Management (e.g., NSAIDs).
• Wound Care: deep/long-lasting stitches if needed.
• Blood Pressure control to reduce vascular risks.
• Regular Monitoring for organ or vascular complications.

Did you know?

Just like many mental health medications, blood thinning medications may also be genome based. Talk to your doctor for a non-invasive and at-home pharmacogenomic test (PGx test) today.

A genome-based medication, while increasing efficacy, reduces the chances of trial and error as well.

Natural Treatments and Prevention Options

• Both conditions have no proven natural cures.
• Lifestyle helps—low-impact exercise, healthy habits, and stress avoidance—but they’re complementary, not replacements for medical care.
• Marfan can weaken your aorta (the biggest and main artery) and thus putting you at an increased chance of heart attack. Thus, avoid high-strain activities (like heavy lifting, contact sports).
• In case of EDS, avoid excessive straining of your joints, including the ones of your jawbone e.g., high-impact exercise or sports or even chewing something hard. Also, avoid consuming large amounts of added sugars, and potentially specific foods like aged or fermented items.

Want to be gentler on joints or tackle pain naturally?

Low-impact activities like swimming, yoga, and gentle Pilates can be a great help. Still, run it by your doctor.

Other Issues (e.g., Urinary Incontinence)

• EDS (especially hypermobile types) may lead to pelvic floor weakness, which can cause urinary incontinence. Though not universal, it’s something to discuss with your doctor honestly.
• Marfan syndrome doesn’t typically cause urinary issues—but surgeries or surgery-related factors could occasionally contribute.

Life Expectancy of Marfan and EDS

Following are the life expectancies of both disorders. Please keep in mind that these are not the confirmed ages but only expected figures:

Marfan Syndrome Life Expectancy

Life of people with Marfan syndrome used to be short before the 1970s. With modern medicines and surgery, life expectancy is now near normal – according to HarvardHealth, it’s 70 years.

EDS Life Expectancy

There are different types of Ehler Danlos syndrome, thus the life expectancy varies. Most types, such as hypermobile EDS (hEDS) do not impact life expectancy; however, a type like cardiac-valvular EDS has a decreased life expectancy with a median of 48 years.

Which One Needs More Care?

• Vascular EDS tends to need more constant vigilance due to the risk of internal ruptures and organ fragility.
• Marfan also needs careful long-term cardiovascular monitoring—but modern care has greatly improved outcomes.
• So: support both—especially if vascular EDS is the type involved—but living well is possible with the right care.

Important:

• Both Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes can be inherited or occur spontaneously.
• Both are treatable, not curable—but people can live healthy lives with proper management.
• Though some symptoms overlap (marfans vs ehlers danlos), each has its own set of risks and outlook.

Final Thoughts

Ehler-Danlos syndrome and Marfan are both disorders that have their own medications, cures, and risks. However, with early diagnosis and proper care, management is possible in most cases. Weight lifting or sports that can put strain are not recommended in either case. To avoid trial and errors, you may talk to your doctor about pharmacogenomic testing from a RPh LABS (a CLIA-accredited lab).

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, errors or omissions may occur.