Thrombophilia

Thrombophilias are a group of disorders that cause blood to clot too easily. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say up to eight percent of Americans may have a thrombophilia. The March of Dimes (MOD) puts the number of Americans as high as 1 in 5. Many people with this condition may not have symptoms, but that doesn't mean the condition isn't serious.

The formation of a clot is called a thrombosis. A thrombosis can occur anywhere in the arteries or veins of the vascular system. (Read about "Vascular System: Arteries & Veins") Depending on where the clot forms, its size, and whether it travels, a clot can be very dangerous, even deadly. Therefore, having a thrombophilia can increase someone's risk of stroke or heart attack. (Read about "Stroke" "Heart Attack") If a clot forms in the lower leg, it can cause swelling, pain, and a condition known as deep vein thrombosis. (Read about "Deep Vein Thrombosis") If a clot in the legs breaks off, it can follow the blood stream to the lungs and result in a pulmonary embolism (Read about "Pulmonary Embolism"), a condition that can be fatal.

Thrombophilias, and the increased risk of clots that result, can also lead to problems during pregnancy (Read about "Healthy Pregnancy"), including poor fetal growth, separation of the placenta from the uterine wall (Read about "Placental Complications") and stillbirth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says up to half of women who develop a thrombosis during pregnancy could have an underlying congenital or acquired thrombophilia. According to MOD, thrombophilias can also cause a severe form of preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine (Read about "The Urinary System"), and swelling of the hands and feet, which is very dangerous. (Read about "Preeclampsia")

Thrombophilias can be inherited or acquired. Three of the most common thrombophilias - factor V Leiden, mild hyperhomocysteinemia (Read about "Homocysteine"), and prothrombin mutations - are inherited. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a thrombophilia that is not inherited, but can develop later in life. APS is considered an autoimmune disorder (Read about "The Immune System"), and, according to MOD, it is believed to contribute to up to 15 percent of repeated miscarriages. Disorders that can increase the risk of developing thrombophilia include lupus. (Read about "Lupus")

Blood tests can determine whether or not a person has a thrombophilia. (Read about "Laboratory Testing") Treatment can involve the use of blood-thinning drugs, such as aspirin, heparin or warfarin. Side effects of these drugs can include blood loss and/or potentially dangerous blood changes (Read about Medicine Safety), so treatment should be carefully discussed with your doctor.

Related Information:

    Blood Disorders Glossary