Blood clotting disorders
Care for blood clotting disorders
A single clot with a temporary trigger, such as an earlier surgery, may only require blood thinners for a few months. However, if the cause of a blood clot isn’t clear or if you tend to clot too much, seeking specialized help is essential. For blood clotting disorders that don’t require immediate attention, we offer a range of compassionate treatment choices tailored to your needs.
We assess your risk of clotting and coagulation disorders to recommend the right treatment. Our focus is on finding a customized approach that protects your health and improves your quality of life.
Conditions we treat
- Blood clotting disorders
- Factor V leiden
- Postthrombotic syndrome
- Superficial venous thrombosis
- Thrombophilia (Excessive blood clotting)
- Venous thromboembolism
Why choose Penn Medicine for blood clot treatment?
Whether this is your first blood clot, or you have a history of clots, our experienced team can help. We’ll determine if your clot is a one-time event or linked to a disorder that may cause more clots. If you have questions about your current treatment, we also provide second opinions with empathy and understanding.
When you choose our program, you can expect:
- Expert medical team: Our hematologists are leaders in caring for blood clot disorders, with extensive experience in ordering and interpreting tests to recommend the best treatment options. Our dedicated nurses specialize in hematology and are here to support you.
- Access to other specialists: Some patients require care from additional specialists due to the location of clots and associated risks. We coordinate care to prevent serious complications like strokes or heart attacks, ensuring you receive comprehensive support.
- Extra help for women and those in gender transition: Women and individuals undergoing hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) often face additional clotting risks. Our Center for Women’s Thrombosis and Hemostasis offers specialized expertise to address these needs.
- Innovation: We continually seek ways to enhance blood clot care. Our team recently contributed to developing a test for measuring the levels of newer blood thinners, enabling quicker assessments when urgent medical care is needed.
Blood clotting disorder treatment
When you come to us for a blood clot, our first step is to explore potential causes. Some clots develop from medical conditions or specific medications, while others may be inherited. A common inherited disorder is factor V Leiden, but not everyone with it will develop clots.
During your evaluation, we will:
- Discuss your medical history and that of your family to understand the circumstances behind the clot.
- Perform a physical examination.
- Conduct blood tests.
- Estimate your risk of developing another blood clot.
If you test positive for a genetic clotting disorder, we will discuss the implications for your health and ongoing care.
Treatment typically involves anticoagulants (blood thinners). Traditional options include warfarin and heparin, while newer drugs, known as direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), are also available.
In choosing an anticoagulant, we will consider your risk of further clots and discuss potential side effects, especially bleeding. Your preferences and treatment goals are integral to our decision-making process.
Together, we’ll decide which blood thinner to prescribe, the appropriate dosage, and the treatment duration. If you need blood thinners for only a short time, you may not need follow-up visits. For others who require long-term management, annual check-ups are recommended.
If you have questions about your current treatment plan, our specialized center can clarify the appropriate use of blood thinners and their duration after a clot. We’re here to evaluate your current blood thinner, its dosage, and the length of your treatment, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
For most blood clots, anticoagulation therapy is sufficient. If you require additional medications or procedures to break up or remove clots, we will help facilitate that care through our network of top specialists in interventional radiology, interventional pulmonology, and vascular surgery.
Evaluating blood clots with birth control, pregnancy, and HRT
Estrogen can increase the risk of blood clots, particularly when influenced by birth control, pregnancy, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This risk is heightened for individuals with clotting disorders, a family history of clots, or a tendency to clot excessively.
Our specialized team at Penn Medicine offers expert evaluation and treatment to manage clotting risks associated with these factors. We help safely navigate contraception, pregnancy, and hormone therapies.
Some hormonal birth control methods increase estrogen levels, which can promote clotting. While most individuals face only a slight increase in risk, those with clotting disorders or a history of clots need personalized guidance. Our hematologists collaborate with gynecologists to find the safest birth control options and may recommend blood thinners to prevent future clots.
Estrogen levels rise significantly during pregnancy, increasing clotting factors that can lead to higher clot risks, especially in certain situations like C-section delivery or limited activity. Our specialists work with Penn Medicine’s High-Risk Pregnancy Care team to assess risk and discuss blood thinner options if necessary.
Taking estrogen for HRT or gender transition can elevate clot risks. While most individuals remain at a modest risk, it increases with underlying clotting disorders. We evaluate your situation, discuss blood thinners if needed, and explore alternatives for managing symptoms safely.
Reach out to us to ensure your health is protected while navigating these important life stages.
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