Factor V Leiden

Description

An inherited blood-clotting disorder due to a change in the blood's factor V protein.

Overview

Factor V Leiden (FAK-tur five LIDE-n) increases the chance of having clumps of blood, known as clots. This can be life-threatening. People assigned male at birth or female at birth can have factor V Leiden. People who carry the changed gene in factor V Leiden may be more likely to get blood clots during pregnancy or when taking the hormone estrogen.

Symptoms

Most people never develop symptoms. The first sign of the condition may be a blood clot. Some clots do no damage and go away on their own. Others can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a blood clot depend on what part of the body is affected.

Treatments

Treatment may include blood-thinning medicines. Other precautions, including keeping the legs moving and wearing compression stockings, can reduce the risk of having blood clots.