Factor V Leiden

This condition is caused by an abnormal gene that is passed down through families (inherited). Most people with FVL do not develop abnormal blood clots. However, you may be at higher risk if you have FVL with other risk factors. These include:

• Taking birth control pills or estrogen replacement.

• Being pregnant.

• Having surgery or a bone fracture.

• Having cancer.

• Being overweight.

Other causes may include:

• Smoking.

• Doing very little activity or exercise.

• Being on bed rest for a long time.

• Going on a long trip, such as a car or airplane, without moving your legs.

This condition has no signs or symptoms unless you form an abnormal blood clot. There are two common types of clots. One type forms in a deep vein of your leg. This is called deep vein thrombosis or DVT. Another type occurs when you have DVT and the clot breaks free and travels to your lung. This is called pulmonary embolism or PE.

• Signs and symptoms of DVT in your leg include:

  • Pain.

  • Tenderness.

  • Swelling.

  • Redness.

  • Warmth.

• Signs and symptoms of PE include:

  • Difficulty breathing.

  • Rapid breathing and pounding heartbeat.

  • Chest pain.

  • Cough. You may cough up blood or bloody mucus.

Your health care provider may suspect FVL if you have had a DVT or PE, or if you have a family history of FVL, DVT, or PE. Blood tests can be done to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests include:

• Tests to measure your blood clotting response to APC.

• Tests to check for the FVL gene mutation.

In some cases, you may be treated with a blood thinner (anticoagulant) to prevent or reduce blood clotting. This is done if:

• You have had a DVT or PE.

• You have FVL and other risks for blood clots.

• You are at higher risk for DVT or PE due to another condition, like cancer, surgery, pregnancy, or prolonged hospital stay.

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

• If you are taking blood thinners:

  • Talk with your health care provider before you take any medicines that contain aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. These medicines increase your risk for dangerous bleeding.

  • Take your medicine exactly as told, at the same time every day.

  • Avoid activities that could cause injury or bruising. Follow instructions about how to prevent falls.

  • Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card that lists what medicines you take.

Activity

• Be physically active. Try to get regular exercise such as walking, swimming, or biking.

• If you go on a long trip, stop every few hours or get up and walk every few hours to keep blood flowing through the veins in your legs.

• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.

General instructions

• Let all your health care providers, including dentists, know you have FVL.

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

• Wear compression stockings as told by your health care provider. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.

• Let your health care provider know you have FVL before starting any birth control or estrogen replacement medication.

• If you are overweight, work with your health care provider and a dietitian to set a weight-loss goal that is healthy and reasonable for you.

• Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Get help right away. Call 911.

• Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.

• Do not drive yourself to the hospital.