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 developing a DVT.

Warning signs of a DVT include:

• pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually your calf)
• a heavy ache in the affected area
• warm skin in the area of the clot
• redness of your skin, particularly at the back of your leg below the knee

DVT usually, although not always, affects one leg. The pain may be worse when you bend your foot up towards your knee.

Part of the blood clot can sometimes break away and travel through the bloodstream. This is known as an embolism .

Embolisms can be dangerous if they become lodged in the lungs ( pulmonary embolism ). This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition because it can prevent blood from reaching your lungs.

The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are:

• chest or upper back pain
• shortness of breath
• coughing usually dry but you may cough up blood or mucus containing blood
• feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• fainting

See your GP immediately if you experience any combination of the above symptoms. Alternatively, you can call NHS 111 or contact your local out-of-hours service for advice. Dial 999 to request an ambulance if your symptoms are severe.