These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Thrombosis
Question: I come from a big family. My father has had deep vein thrombosis several times. He is an active man. One time it was the result of surgery and
he survived. However, my 26 year old sister died from a saddle embolism very unexpectedly. She was somewhat overweight and took the birth control pill.
I also had an aunt who died of a pulmonary embolism as well. Is there a some kind of genetic flaw in our family? What can I do to assure myself that this
will not happen to me or anyone else in my family again. What type of test should I have done if you recommend that route?
Answer: There are several inherited causes of thrombosis and you certainly have a family history
that could be affected. Tests need to be done by your internist to check Protein C, Protein S,
Antithrombin III, homocysteinuria, and lupus anticoagulants. Those are the current
deficiencies that could result in excess clotting. If you do not have the problem, others in
your family should be checked.
