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Blood Clotting Disorders
Clotting disorders affect how well the blood clots — either bleeding too easily (like haemophilia) or clotting too much (thrombophilia). Some are inherited and some develop later.
Causes & risk factors
- Inherited conditions (haemophilia, von Willebrand disease)
- Inherited tendency to clot (thrombophilia)
- Liver disease (affects clotting proteins)
- Vitamin K deficiency
- Some medicines, including blood thinners
- Antiphospholipid syndrome and other immune conditions
Common symptoms
- Easy bruising or prolonged bleeding after cuts
- Heavy periods or bleeding after surgery/dental work
- Bleeding into joints or muscles (haemophilia)
- Leg swelling and pain from a clot (DVT)
- Sudden breathlessness from a lung clot
Tests & diagnosis
- Full blood count
- Clotting tests (PT/INR, APTT)
- D-dimer where a clot is suspected
- Specialist clotting-factor and genetic tests
Treatment & management
- Replacing missing clotting factors for bleeding disorders
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants) for excess clotting
- Medicines to help blood clot before surgery or dental work
- Treating underlying causes such as liver disease
- Specialist (haematology) care and a clear action plan
When to see a doctor urgently
- Bleeding that is hard to stop, or bruising with no clear cause
- A swollen, painful calf, or sudden breathlessness and chest pain — seek urgent care
- A family history of bleeding or clotting problems before surgery
Frequently asked questions
Are clotting disorders always inherited?
No. Some, like haemophilia, are inherited, but others develop from liver disease, medicines or immune conditions later in life. Tests help identify the type.
What is the difference between bleeding and clotting disorders?
Bleeding disorders make it hard for blood to clot, so you bleed or bruise easily. Clotting disorders make blood clot too readily, raising the risk of dangerous clots in the legs or lungs.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.