Factor V Leiden is a mutation of one of the clotting factors in the blood called factor V. This mutation can increase your chance of developing abnormal blood clots (thrombophilia), usually in your veins.
Most people with factor V Leiden (FAK-tur five LIDE-n) never develop abnormal clots. But some do develop clots that lead to long-term health problems or become life-threatening.
Both men and women can have factor V Leiden. Women may have an increased tendency to develop blood clots during pregnancy or when taking the hormone estrogen.
If you have factor V Leiden and have developed blood clots, anticoagulant medications can lessen your risk of developing additional blood clots and help you avoid potentially serious complications.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Most people who have factor V Leiden never develop signs or symptoms. The first indication that you have the disorder may be the development of a blood clot (thrombosis).
Some clots do no damage and disappear on their own. Others can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a blood clot depend on where it forms and whether and where it travels.
This is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep vein thrombosis may not cause any symptoms. If signs and symptoms do occur, they commonly affect your legs, including swelling of your ankles and feet. Other signs and symptoms may include:
This is referred to as superficial venous thrombosis, phlebitis or thrombophlebitis. Signs and symptoms usually include:
Known as a pulmonary embolism, this occurs when a deep vein clot breaks free and travels through the right side of your heart to your lung, where it blocks blood flow. This can be a life-threatening situation. Signs and symptoms may include:
Seek medical attention immediately if you:
See a doctor if you:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
A blood clot (thrombus) normally forms to stop the bleeding when an artery or vein is damaged, such as when you experience a cut. Clots are formed by chemical reactions between specialized blood cells (platelets) and proteins in your blood (clotting factors). Anti-clotting factors prevent an excessive formation of blood clots.
Normally, factor V is a clotting protein. Anti-clotting proteins break up factor V, keeping it from forming clots when clotting isn't needed.
Factor V Leiden makes it harder for anti-clotting proteins to break up factor V. This keeps factor V in the blood longer and increases the chance of clotting.
If you have factor V Leiden, you inherited either one copy (heterozygous) or, rarely, two copies (homozygous) of the defective gene. Inheriting one copy slightly increases your risk of developing blood clots. Inheriting two copies â one from each parent â significantly increases your risk of developing blood clots.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Your doctor will likely suspect factor V Leiden if you've had one or more episodes of thrombosis or pregnancy loss or if you have a strong family history of thrombotic disease. Your doctor can confirm that you have factor V Leiden with a blood test. Two types of tests can be done:
Genetic test. A genetic test is done to determine whether you have a factor V gene mutation. It may also be used to confirm the results of the APC resistance test or to determine whether you've inherited one or two copies of the gene mutation.
If you're taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), you may have only the genetic test. Anticoagulants interfere with the activated protein C resistance test.
Testing babies before or soon after birth isn't recommended. Children who don't have symptoms of clotting problems also don't need screening. Blood clots are rare, even in children with factor V Leiden. Testing isn't recommended until adulthood.
When your child is an adult, he or she will be better able to fully understand the risks and benefits associated with genetic testing. Chances are good that your child may never have any signs or symptoms related to factor V Leiden.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Factor V Leiden can be associated with a variety of serious and potentially serious clotting complications, including:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
If you have factor V Leiden, avoiding certain situations might help reduce your risk of developing blood clots. These include:
Uninterrupted long car or airline trips. When your legs remain still for long periods â more than two hours â your calf muscles don't contract, which normally helps blood circulate.
If you can, try to move around whenever possible on a plane. Drink extra water to prevent dehydration, and avoid alcohol. On a car trip, take periodic breaks and walk around.
If you sit for long periods of time for any reason, get up periodically and stretch your legs.
One situation you don't have to avoid if you have factor V Leiden is donating blood. People with factor V Leiden can usually donate blood if interested in doing so.
If you're taking blood-thinning medications, you can't donate blood until those medications are fully out of your system. If you've taken blood thinners, check with your doctor before donating blood.
If your factor V Leiden requires you to take anticoagulant medication, here are some steps that might help you prevent injury and avoid excessive bleeding:
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
A family history of factor V Leiden increases your risk of inheriting the disorder. The disorder is most common in people who are white and of European descent.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
We respect your privacy and aim for the best website experience in compliance with local laws. Allowing cookies enables a tailored experience, while disabling them may reduce personalization. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.