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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffIt's possible to have factor V Leiden without ever developing signs or symptoms. However, the first indication that you have the disorder may be the development of a blood clot (thrombosis).
Some clots do no damage and disappear on their own. Others can be life-threatening. Clots can form in your arteries or veins, but with factor V Leiden, they're much more likely to form in your veins.
Symptoms of a venous clot depend on where it forms and whether and where it travels:
- A clot developing in a deep vein. This is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Signs and symptoms may include pain, significant swelling, redness and warmth in the affected limbs, most commonly your legs, including your ankles and feet.
- A clot that forms closer to the surface of your skin. This is referred to as superficial venous thrombosis, phlebitis or thrombophlebitis. Signs and symptoms usually include warmth, tenderness, pain and redness in the affected area.
- A clot that travels to your lungs. Known as a pulmonary embolism, this occurs when a deep vein clot breaks free and travels through the right side of your heart to your lung, where it blocks blood flow. Symptoms may include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing in, a cough that produces bloody or blood-streaked sputum and rapid heartbeat (tachycardia).
When to see a doctor
See a doctor:
- If your family has a history of blood clots or if family members have factor V Leiden. Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of genetic testing for the disorder.
- If you've had one or more blood-clotting incidents without an apparent cause.
- If you develop signs or symptoms of DVT, such as leg pain and swelling.
- If you develop signs or symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, such as chest pain or discomfort. Seek medical attention immediately.
