DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am writing in response to the gentleman in a recent column who said he had “sticky blood”.
I have factor V, double genetics which makes me a homozygote. There are many people who have had blood clots and are still under diagnosed for this genetic condition. Many doctors are unaware that it even exists. I was diagnosed after a family doctor recommended I have genetic testing following a blood clot in my leg at age 40. I am now 43 and live knowing the health risks of having homozygous factor V. None of them are good.
I am currently writing a college research paper on factor V and have learned how dangerous it can actually be. Please run a column on this matter to help educate those who have been afflicted by blood clots or have a strong family history such as mine does.
DEAR READER:
You seem to be very familiar and have been well-educated in your condition so please permit me to explain to other readers.
In order to understand the condition we must first know what factor V and homozygote mean.
Homozygote is a term used primarily to explain a genetic condition in which there are two identical copies of one gene. Instead of receiving one copy of that gene from the mother and another from the father, the offspring receives three copies, two from one parent and a one from the other. Often the duplicate genes are fused together.
Factor V is a blood clotting disorder of the factor V Leiden gene that controls fibrin production (a substance that is responsible for aiding blood clotting). Heterozygous factor V is rare, occurring in approximately five percent of the Caucasian population and homozygous is extremely rare, occurring in less than one percent. Both forms are seen even less in Hispanic, Asian, African, and Native American populations.
Factor V can increase the risk of blood clots. Heterozygous factor V can cause a five to seven fold increase, meaning five to seven out of 1000 affected individuals. In the homozygous form this is increased to 25-50 out of 1000 affected individuals. Risk may differ from person to person because of other factors such as hormone use, pregnancy, alcohol, smoking or other factors.
I urge anyone with a strong family history of blood clots or those individuals who develop clots before the age of 40 to see a hematologist for further testing. There are certain measures that need to be taken prior to surgery, hospitalization and other situations.
Thank you for writing and informing others of this potentially life-threatening condition. Because it is rare, it may be, as you say, under diagnosed and word needs to get out to those who suffer from chronic or recurring blood clots.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Blood — Donations and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott