Factor V Leiden occurs when a specific mutation affects the Factor V gene, significantly increasing a person’s risk of developing dangerous blood clots. This inherited genetic disorder makes the Factor V protein in the bloodstream more resistant to normal clot breakdown processes, leading to higher thrombosis risk and potential health complications.

When someone inherits Factor V Leiden, their blood clotting mechanism becomes compromised as the mutated Factor V resists the body’s natural anticoagulant proteins. This resistance creates an imbalance in the clotting system, making affected individuals more susceptible to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and other serious clotting conditions.

Understanding your Factor V Leiden status is crucial for proper medical management, especially before surgery, pregnancy or hormone therapy when clotting risks naturally increase.

Many people wonder about the different types of Factor V Leiden mutations and how inheritance patterns affect clotting risk. Medical professionals classify Factor V Leiden into two distinct categories based on genetic inheritance:

• Heterozygous Factor V Leiden
  Heterozygous Factor V Leiden occurs when a person inherits the mutation from only one parent. This more common form affects approximately 5% of Caucasian populations and increases blood clotting risk by about 3-8 times compared to those without the mutation. Most people with heterozygous Factor V Leiden never experience abnormal clotting events despite carrying the mutation.
• Homozygous Factor V Leiden
  Homozygous Factor V Leiden develops when a person inherits the mutation from both parents, creating a much stronger resistance to anticoagulant proteins. This rarer form significantly increases thrombosis risk by 30-80 times compared to individuals without the mutation and often requires more aggressive preventive treatment approaches.

Understanding which type of Factor V Leiden you have helps doctors assess your specific risk profile and develop appropriate prevention strategies, especially during high-risk periods like pregnancy, surgery or extended immobility.