Approximately 5-8% of the U.S. population has one of these clotting disorders collectively called thrombophilia, a propensity for blood clotting in which a genetic defect can be identified that often results in thrombosis.

More than 60,000 Americans die each year from venous thromboembolism; in addition, nearly half of patients with deep vein clots experience long-term health consequences that adversely affect their quality of life.

Causes

Hereditary defects in one or more of the clotting factors can cause the formation of potentially dangerous blood clots (thrombosis).

Risk Factors

Thrombophilia in the family.

Symptoms

Excessive bleeding and wounds taking a long time to heal or stop bleeding.

References:

Dowling NF. Austin H. Dilley A. Whitsett C. Evatt BL. Hooper WC. The epidemiology of venous thromboembolism in Caucasians and African-Americans: the GATE Study. Journal of Thrombosis & Haemostasis. 1(1):80-7, 2003.