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:

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.