Who Is At Risk for Excessive Blood Clotting?
People at highest risk for excessive blood clotting
have both acquired and genetic risk factors. For example, if you have the
Factor V Leiden mutation and
atherosclerosis,
and you smoke, you're at higher risk than someone who has only one of these
risk factors.
See "What Causes Excessive
Blood Clotting?" for more information on the diseases, conditions, and
other factors that can lead to this condition.
Genetic Risk Factors
You're more likely to have a genetic cause of
excessive blood clotting if you have:
- Family members who have had dangerous blood
clots
- A personal history of repeated blood clots before
the age of 40
- Had a
heart
attack or
stroke before the age of 50
- Had unexplained miscarriages
Factor V Leiden is one of the more common genetic
mutations that can alter the blood clotting process. It's found in 5 to 15
percent of the general population. This mutation accounts for up to a quarter
of the cases of genetic blood clotting disorders. Factor V Leiden is found
mostly in people who have a European background.
Other Risk Factors
Another risk factor for excessive blood clotting is
antiphospholipid antibody syndrome linked to
lupus. This condition may affect 4 to 14 percent of the U.S.
population. |