This test will tell you whether you have one or more of the most common forms of inherited thrombophilia: factor V Leiden or a prothrombin mutation.

Thrombophilia can cause dangerous blood clots:

• One copy of factor V Leiden increases your risk for having a dangerous blood clot to 5 to 7 times.
• Two copies of factor V Leiden increase your risk about 80 times.
• One copy of the prothrombin mutation increases your risk 2 to 3 times.
• Two copies of the prothrombin mutation increases your risk further, but the exact amount is not known
• One copy of factor V Leiden and one prothrombin mutation increase your risk 20 times.

Genes + Knowledge = Prevention

The good news about thrombophilia is that just carrying a gene does not guarantee that you will develop blood clots. In fact, knowing that you carry a gene can help you prevent blood clots.

There are lifestyle factors that combine with thrombophilia to increase your risk of blood clots:

• Immobility (long flights, car rides, bed rest)
• Surgery (venous catheters)
• A sedentary lifestyle (no exercise)
• Birth control pills
• Pregnancy
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Other health concerns, including active cancer, infection, autoimmune disease
• Age

The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop a blood clot. Examples of interventions or lifestyle modifications include:

• Doing exercises to keep your blood circulating during long distance travel
• Taking blood thinners during surgery
• Choosing different forms of birth control or menopause treatment
• Losing weight and exercising
• Quitting smoking

For many people, knowing about a genetic risk gives them a sense of empowerment and motivates them to make changes in their lives. For those who have already had a serious blood clot, knowing their genetic risk helps them understand why they had a blood clot and helps their family members learn more about their individual risks for blood clots.