What is Factor V Leiden?

So I am off to a slow start, but I would like to give a brief overview of what Factor V Leiden is.

Factor V Leiden is an inherited blood clotting disorder that affects roughly 5% of people with European ancestry. The mutation is located in the F5 gene. This gene provides instruction for the creation of a protein called coagulation factor V. This protein plays a role in the forming of blood clots in response to injuries. Another protein called activated protein C or APC for short acts to slow down the clotting process so clots don't get too big. People with Factor V Leiden the clotting cannot be stopped causing clotting to last longer, which increases the possibility of large clots.

The chances of getting a blood clot depends on if a person has one or two copies of the mutated gene. Having one copy the risk increases 3 to 8 out of 1,000. Having two copies the risk increases to as high as 80 in 1,000. These two forms are called heterozygous or homozygous forms.

So here is a brief description of what Factor V Leiden is. I will share personal experiences and lesson I have learned. I will also share facts and guidance I find in my research as well where permitted.

I got much of my information from the Genetics Home Reference web site: http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov

Other good information sources are:

Web MD
Mayo Clinic
Factor V Leiden.org

These are not a substitute for speaking with a doctor. Family practitioners are great help they are however, generalists and have to deal with a multitude of patients with many different conditions and ailments. They can help with your immediate needs be it treatment for clots or monitoring your pro-time. But to get a more complete understanding of Factor V Leiden seek out a specialist to educate you.

I rely heavily on my family doctor for most of my needs. It was through his encouragement that I sought out a specialist to give me a more complete diagnosis and education on Factor V Leiden and that's where I learned that I only have one copy of the gene mutation. So talk to your doctor!! Never rely on the internet for diagnosis and treatment.

If you have more you would like to add feel free to do so in the comments.



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