Thrombophilia
The blood clotting process
When you cut yourself, the bleeding usually triggers a number of chemical reactions in the blood.
The chemical reactions cause a blood clot to form, which sticks to the injured part of the blood vessel along with blood cells called platelets.
Clotting substances, known as clotting factors, help control bleeding and work with platelets to ensure the blood clots effectively.
However, in thrombophilia, there's an imbalance in clotting chemicals and a person with the disorder either has too much clotting factor, or too little of the substance that prevents clotting.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Thrombophilia is where the blood has an increased tendency to form clots.
The blood clotting process
When you cut yourself, the bleeding usually triggers a number of chemical reactions in the blood. The chemical reactions cause a blood clot to form, which sticks to the injured part of the blood ves
Types ofthrombophilia
There are many different types of thrombophilia. Some of the main types are outlined below. Factor V Leiden Factor V Leiden is a type of thrombophilia caused by a specific gene mutation. It's the m
Symptoms of thrombophilia
Thrombophilia is often mild and many people don't experience any health problems. Symptoms will only occur if the disorder causes a blood clot. People with thrombophilia are particularly at risk of d
Diagnosing thrombophilia
Thrombophilia testing isn't routinely carried out on everyone who has a blood clot. Testing for inherited thrombophilia in people with venous thrombosis isn't usually needed because the results don't
Treating thrombophilia
Treatment may not be needed if you have mild thrombophilia. If you develop a blood clot, you'll need treatment for the blood clot and treatment to prevent further clots. You may need to take warfarin
Lifestyle advice
If you have thrombophilia, it's important you're aware of the symptoms of a blood clot (see above), and that you see your GP immediately if you think you have one. You should also take the following
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