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Factor V Leiden mutation: Do I have an increased risk of thrombosis?

Most do not know that they suffer from the coagulation disorder
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  1. Hereditary risk of thrombosis
  2. Higher risk of thrombosis
  3. How can I tell if I am affected by the coagulation disorder?
  4. Is there a therapy?

Hereditary risk of thrombosis

The factor V Leiden mutation is hereditary and quite common in Germany. It increases the risk of thrombosis, especially if you take birth control pills.

Factor V Leiden mutation is a coagulation disorder. The anticoagulant protein APC can not affect the affected enough on the organism, so that the blood is thinner. The thin blood causes the risk of thrombosis is increased eightfold, in women who take birth control pills even 33 times!

Higher risk of thrombosis

The risk of thrombosis is highest in the pure form factor V Leiden mutation and can increase 50 to 100 fold. Fortunately, this homozygous form is rarer than the heterozygous form in which the risk increases by five to ten times.

The Factor V Leiden mutation is relatively common: it affects about six percent of the population. Most of those affected do not know that they have the coagulation disorder in them. However, when thrombosis occurs, the Factor V Leiden mutation is present in about 40% of cases.

How can I tell if I am affected by the coagulation disorder?

Normally, there are no symptoms and sufferers will not notice their coagulation disorder unless they get thrombosis. But a familial incidence of thrombosis or miscarriage could be evidence of the coagulation disorder. A clinician can use a coagulation test and a molecular genetic test to determine if you are affected by the Factor V Leiden mutation.

If you have had a thrombosis or if you have a family history, you should have yourself examined. If you take birth control pills, your gynecologist can educate you about the risks and advise you on whether the test is appropriate. In any case: If you suspect thrombosis, you should go to the doctor immediately! The following symptoms may indicate thrombosis:

  • Blueness of the skin
  • Pain when squeezing the calves
  • prominent, visible veins on the skin
  • shiny, firm skin with distension
  • Increase in heart rate
  • fever

Is there a therapy?

The genetic disease can not be treated, but sufferers can take preventive measures to prevent thrombosis. This includes sufficient exercise, prevention of obesity, elevating the legs, avoiding nicotine, wearing compression stockings or, on medical advice, medications that prevent coagulation.

Good to know: The term Factor V Leiden mutation is a bit unfortunate because it sounds as if the sufferer would suffer. But Leiden means the Dutch city in which the clotting disorder was discovered.

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