What does heterozygous factor V Leiden mean?
Heterozygous means that the 2 copies of a gene are different. In your case, one of your Factor V gene codes is for normal clotting Factor V and the other Factor V gene code is for Factor V Leiden. There is more risk of a blood clot if both gene codes are for Factor V Leiden (ie in the homozygous state).
What does it mean to be a carrier of factor V Leiden?
Both men and women can have factor V Leiden. Women who carry the factor V Leiden mutation may have an increased tendency to develop blood clots during pregnancy or when taking the hormone estrogen.
Can you get pregnant with Factor 5 Leiden?
Despite these risks, most people with factor V Leiden never develop abnormal clots, and most women with factor V Leiden have normal pregnancies. Nonetheless, if you have a family history of factor V Leiden and plan to get pregnant, you should be tested.
Can factor V Leiden cause heart attacks?
In someone with factor V Leiden, clots can arise in veins anywhere. The abnormality can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, miscarriage, gallbladder dysfunction and toxemia of pregnancy.
What birth control can I use if I have Factor V Leiden?
Acceptable forms of contraception for these patients include a copper intrauterine device (IUD), a progestin-only pill, a progestin-only levonorgestrel-releasing IUD, progestin-only implants containing levonorgestrel/etonogestrel, and progestin-only injections using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate/norethisterone …
Which blood thinner is best for Factor V Leiden?
Heparin. This anticoagulant medication works more quickly than warfarin does. It can be administered directly into a vein (intravenously) or under the skin (subcutaneously). You can inject yourself with some forms of heparin, including enoxaparin (Lovenox) and dalteparin (Fragmin).
Can I donate blood if I have Factor V Leiden?
People with factor V Leiden may donate blood, platelets or plasma safely, as long as they are not on an anticoagulant such as warfarin. Only a very few medicines prevent people from donating blood.