What is the Factor V (Leiden) Mutation?
The factor V mutation is the most common cause of venous thrombosis, accounting for 20-40% of cases. This mutation is found in 4-6% of the U.S. population. It is relatively common in Caucasians and notably uncommon in Asian and African populations. The factor V mutation causes resistance to activated protein C (APC), which is responsible for preventing excess coagulation of blood. When individuals are resistant to APC because of the mutation, they are at risk for blood clots. What is the Prothrombin Mutation? The prothrombin mutation is the second most common genetic cause of venous thrombosis, accounting for 6-8% of venous thrombosis cases, and is also involved in certain arterial thrombotic conditions. This mutation is found in 1-3% of the U.S. population. The prothrombin mutation causes elevated levels of prothrombin in the blood. Prothrombin is involved in blood clotting; therefore elevated levels of prothrombin cause excessive clotting of the blood (thrombosis). What are the Most
