Factor-V Leiden Mutation
Understanding Factor-V Leiden Mutation
What is Factor-V Leiden Mutation?
Factor V Leiden mutation is a genetic mutation in one of the blood clotting factors. Generally, people with this mutation have a high risk of suffering abnormal blood clots. There will be blood clots predominantly in their legs or lungs. This can result in health problems in the long run. It can also cause blood clots in the mother and also the fetus, thus affecting the pregnancy.
The symptoms in legs include pain, redness, warmth, swelling in the areas of blood clot. In the lungs the symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, difficulty in breathing, chest pain.
The detection of factor V Leiden mutation is done by screening a blood sample. Treatment may include taking anticoagulants if thrombosis or pulmonary embolism is diagnosed in the person.
What is Factor-V Leiden Mutation used for?
- After appearance of an inexplicable blood clotting especially in those younger than 50 years of age
- To determine whether you have an inherited gene mutation that increases your risk of developing a blood clot
- If the patient has had repeated Deep Venous Thrombosis or Venous Thromboembolism, or has had these conditions even once during pregnancy
- To screen those who have a family history of blood clotting inside blood vessels or thrombosis
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