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This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 22 No. 3 1999
Investigations for thrombotic tendencies
Some people are more likely to develop blood clots than others. This tendency may be due to problems with certain natural proteins which normally stop the blood clotting. Sometimes, this tendency can run in families. Often this is due to abnormal genes.
Women who have one of these abnormal genes have an increased risk of having a blood clot when they are pregnant or taking the contraceptive pill. Sometimes, a tendency to form blood clots can cause recurrent miscarriages.
People who are at a high risk of blood clots sometimes need preventive treatment, e.g. if they are having an operation or going on a long plane journey. Not smoking is very important, as smoking greatly increases the risk of blood clots forming.
