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Blood-Clotting Disorders

Overview

Blood clotting (coagulation) normally stops bleeding after injury. Blood-clotting disorders disturb this balance, causing either excessive clotting (thrombophilia) or abnormal bleeding (coagulopathy). Conditions such as Factor V Leiden, Antithrombin III deficiency, Protein C/S deficiency and antiphospholipid syndrome can trigger deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and raise the risk of ischaemic stroke.

At Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, our haematology and vascular teams provide rapid assessment, state-of-the-art testing and personalised treatment to prevent serious complications.

Common Blood-Clotting Disorders

GroupExamplesPrimary Risk
Inherited
thrombophilias
Factor V Leiden,
Prothrombin 20210A,
Antithrombin III,
Protein C/S deficiency
DVT / PE, stroke
Acquired
thrombophilias
Antiphospholipid
syndrome,
cancer-related clotting,
pregnancy-related
clotting
Recurrent miscarriage,
arterial & venous clots
Bleeding disordersHaemophilia A/B,
von Willebrand disease,
platelet-function defects
Easy bruising,
joint bleeds,
surgery risk
Medication-inducedWarfarin overdose,
DOAC interactions,
heparin-induced
thrombocytopenia (HIT)
Excess bleeding or
dangerous clots

Key Symptoms & Warning Signs

Excessive-clotting disorders (thrombophilias)

  • Swollen, painful calf or thigh (DVT)
  • Sudden breathlessness, chest pain (PE)
  • Unexplained stroke or TIA at a young age
  • Recurrent pregnancy loss (antiphospholipid syndrome)

Bleeding-tendency disorders

  • Frequent nosebleeds / gum bleeds
  • Easy bruising or large unexplained bruises
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Prolonged bleeding after minor cuts or dental work
  • Joint or muscle bleeds (haemophilia)

Seek urgent medical help for sudden chest pain, one-sided weakness or severe, uncontrolled bleeding.

Diagnosis

Our specialists use:

  1. Detailed personal & family history (prior clots/bleeds, miscarriages)
  2. Blood tests – full blood count, coagulation screen (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen)
  3. Specific assays – Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin gene, Protein C/S, Antithrombin III, lupus anticoagulant & antiphospholipid antibodies
  4. Imaging – Doppler ultrasound for DVT, CT pulmonary angiography for PE, MRI for unexplained stroke
  5. Genetic counselling & testing for relatives when indicated

Treatment & Long-Term Management

For excessive-clotting disorders

  • Anticoagulation (DOACs, warfarin, low-molecular-weight heparin) tailored to risk profile
  • Compression hosiery and mobility advice after DVT
  • Lifestyle modification – smoking cessation, weight control, staying active
  • High-risk situations (surgery, long-haul flights, pregnancy) – prophylactic heparin or dose adjustment

For bleeding disorders

  • Replacement therapy – clotting-factor concentrates or desmopressin for von Willebrand disease
  • Tranexamic acid for mucosal bleeding
  • Multidisciplinary planning for surgery, dental work or childbirth

We coordinate with obstetrics, surgery and stroke-prevention teams to offer seamless, holistic care.

Why Choose Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

  • Consultant haematologists, vascular physicians and neurologists in one centre
  • Rapid, on-site coagulation and genetic testing
  • Personalised anticoagulation clinic and warfarin monitoring
  • Emergency and elective care pathways for thrombotic or bleeding crises
  • Private suites, minimal waiting times and comprehensive family counselling

If you have a history of unexplained clots, heavy bleeding or recurrent miscarriage, early assessment can be life-saving. Contact Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital for expert diagnosis and management.

Speak to our team today

Get in touch to book an appointment, for further information, or to ask any question you wish. All contact is handled securely and confidentially.

Call us on

01296 678800

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+44 7367 130247