Thrombophilia: Understand the Causes of the Problem, the Risks, and Know How to Treat

Thrombophilia is a problem that makes a person more likely to have a pulmonary embolism due to the formation of so-called thrombi. This favors coagulation within the vein. The most serious complication is if the thrombus formed leaves the vein and travels to the lung, causing pulmonary embolism ?, explains the angiologist Carlos Eduardo Jorge.

According to the professional, this happens for two main causes: the absence of anticoagulant factor in the blood or the excess of procoagulant factor.

Does it further explain that thrombophilia may be hereditary? when the father, mother or both have the problem; or acquired? when it arises throughout life by different factors. But there are also a large number of people who have it, but asymptomatically, that is, they never develop thrombosis or embolism and often do not even know about thrombophilia in their lives.


Learn more about existing types of thrombophilia and their symptoms, and see how to best handle this problem.

Hereditary Thrombophilia

As its name suggests, is it the one in which the patient is already born with altered coagulation factor? or coagulates too much or has decreased anticoagulant factors. Carlos Eduardo explains that all people have some substances that do not let the blood clot easily. But in some, this is not produced correctly, so there is a tendency for blood to clot and these people are more prone to thrombus and embolism.

Read also: Venous thromboembolism and contraceptives


In this case the problem may or may not cause the disease to manifest over the years. So, we do not treat the disease, but its complication or risk, prescribing anticoagulant to prevent the patient from having thrombosis due to thrombophilia ?, says the doctor.

Acquired Thrombophilia

Acquired thrombophilia, on the other hand, can affect anyone, most likely those of advanced age who have been immobilized for a long time or who have cancer. The use of birth control pill is also a factor that can trigger thrombophilia.

"In these cases, the person develops an increase in the amount of blood clotting substances, a condition that is conducive to thrombus, so you can have thrombosis more easily," he explains.


Thrombophilia in pregnancy

Pregnancy and postpartum are also factors that may lead to the onset of acquired thrombophilia. The pregnant woman may lose the baby, have a thrombosis, an embolism. So it is important to follow up with a gynecologist and, when he finds it necessary, also with an angiologist and hematologist ?, explains the expert.

The doctor also explains that when the person knows that he has thrombophilia, or if he has had thrombosis before, he will use anticoagulant during and after pregnancy. But if you had nothing and no suspicion, it is normal pregnancy, basic care such as wearing socks, playing sports and control to maintain the ideal weight.

Read also: 38 Contraceptive Questions Answered by Gynecologists

How is the diagnosis made?

Examinations to diagnose the problem will depend on the manifestation of symptoms. Thrombophilia causes another disease, thrombosis. But there are patients who have asymptomatically, they do not develop symptoms, they lead a normal life ?, says the angiologist.

When a thrombosis occurs and the cause cannot be determined (whether it was after surgery, cancer, pregnancy, etc.), this gives rise to suspicion of thrombophilias. ? Then genetic tests are done to determine whether or not there is the hereditary factor ?, clarifies.

How is the treatment?

The doctor treating these cases is the angiologist, but tests to identify the type of thrombophilia can also be done with a hematologist. "It is desirable that the two doctors participate together in the treatment," says Carlos Eduardo.

The treatment is continuous, based on the use of anticoagulant, which may be oral or injectable. This varies with each indication and each patient's history. When possible, it is best to take away the factor that is causing the problem. The contraceptive, for example. If it is the cause, then better not to take. But when this is not possible, then we go with the anticoagulant ?, explains the doctor.

So the most important thing is always to look for a specialist if there are any symptoms, any risk factors or when there are cases in the family. The earlier the problem is identified, the less likely it is to get worse and easier to treat to prevent future complications.

Also read: Pre and Postoperative Care Guide

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