What is a blood clotting disorder and what types are there?

With a coagulation disorder, the blood does not clot as it should. If you do not stop bleeding, this can be life-threatening in the event of an injury or operation. The most common is the so-called congenital coagulation disorder, which includes the bleeding tendency (haemophilia) and the thrombosis tendency (thrombophilia).

Congenital coagulation disorders include haemophilia A or B, also known as haemophilia. Another common form of bleeding tendency is Von Willebrand-Jürgens syndrome, in which a specific protein is missing rather than the clotting factor. Around 60 percent of people affected suffer from a severe form of the bleeding disorder, which means that they lack a particularly large number of clotting factors.

Indications of a coagulation disorder

If a blood clotting disorder is present, it can manifest itself through the following symptoms:

• nosebleeds
• Bleeding gums
• headaches
• visual disturbances
• Heavy to very heavy periods
• Blood in the urine or stool

A mild form of coagulation disorder is usually only noticeable due to bleeding during an injury or operation. Those affected are also more prone to bruising and bruising. People with a tendency to thrombosis should be careful, as symptoms usually only become noticeable in the event of an acute thrombosis!

Treatment of the coagulation disorder

Both forms of blood clotting disorder can be treated with medication. Depending on its severity, it may need to be treated permanently or only when necessary. A coagulation disorder must always be declared in the event of other illnesses or upcoming operations so that you are not prescribed anticoagulant medication in hospital, for example. People with a tendency to thrombosis have the following risk factors:

the contraceptive pill
permanent lack of exercise
lack of fluids
childbirth
being overweight
smoking
varicose veins

People are also exposed to a higher risk of thrombosis with increasing age.