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Inherited Blood-Clotting Problems

Topic Overview

Some people are born with an increased tendency to form blood clots, which increases their risk for developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). This tendency is due to inherited blood-clotting irregularities, which are generally related to:

  • Mutated genes (such as factor V Leiden, factor II).
  • Decreased amounts of certain proteins (protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III).
  • Increased levels of other substances (antiphospholipid or lupus anticoagulant).

Many of these blood-clotting irregularities can be identified with special tests. If your doctor suspects that you may have an inherited blood-clotting irregularity, discuss whether testing is needed.

Related Information

References

Other Works Consulted

  • Lipe B, Ornstein DL (2011). Deficiencies of natural anticoagulants, protein C, protein S, and antithrombin. Circulation, 124(14): e365–e368.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology
Last Revised December 28, 2011

Last Revised: December 28, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Jeffrey S. Ginsberg, MD - Hematology

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