What it is
Most people do not need daily treatment. Blood-thinning medicine may be given at higher-risk times, such as after surgery or in pregnancy.
Staying active, keeping hydrated on long journeys and discussing contraception and HRT choices with a doctor help lower the risk.
Common signs
- Often no symptoms
- A blood clot in a leg (DVT) or lung (PE)
- Clots at a young age or in unusual places
- Repeated miscarriages in some types
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood tests for clotting disorders, usually after a clot or with a family history
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Thrombophilia test results
- Haematology letters
- Records of past clots
- Anticoagulant plans
Questions to ask your doctor
- Do I need blood thinners now?
- What should I do before surgery or long journeys?
- Which contraception or HRT is safe for me?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Sudden breathlessness, chest pain or coughing up blood: call 112
- A painful, swollen, warm leg: get urgent help the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.