Contents
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
Group | Examples | Primary 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 disorders | Haemophilia A/B, von Willebrand disease, platelet-function defects | Easy bruising, joint bleeds, surgery risk |
Medication-induced | Warfarin 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:
- Detailed personal & family history (prior clots/bleeds, miscarriages)
- Blood tests – full blood count, coagulation screen (PT, aPTT, fibrinogen)
- Specific assays – Factor V Leiden, Prothrombin gene, Protein C/S, Antithrombin III, lupus anticoagulant & antiphospholipid antibodies
- Imaging – Doppler ultrasound for DVT, CT pulmonary angiography for PE, MRI for unexplained stroke
- 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.
8 July 2025