Lifestyle habits to help prevent blood clots will also be discussed.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Why Does Clotting Happen?
Recurrent blood clots in arteries, veins, or small blood vessels are a cornerstone of antiphospholipid syndrome.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
These blood clots are sparked by antiphospholipid antibodies, proteins that target, attack, and damagephospholipidswithin blood vessels.
Phospholipids are fatty molecules normally found in cell membranes, including cells that line blood vessels.
In fact, not everyone with these antibodies develops blood clots or has pregnancy complications.
Experts suspect a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors is involved.
Secondary APS
APS is classified as either “primary” or “secondary.”
Primary APS occurs independently, whereas secondary APS occurs with another autoimmune condition, usually lupus.
The link between APS and lupus is strong.
Approximately 50% of people with APS eventually develop SLE.
Blood clots usually only develop at one site, although they can continue to form if not treated.
A rare exception is catastrophic APS, in which multiple blood clots form in a short time frame.
The symptoms of APS are brought on by the blockage of blood flow, which can impair organ function.
They can be mild or severe, depending on the location and extent of the blood clot.
Late pregnancy complications like premature birth orfetal growth restrictionassociated with decreased blood flow to the fetus may also occur.
The decreased blood flow is usually due to:
Is a Successful Pregnancy Possible With APS?
It’s unclear exactly how catastrophic APS develops.
Similar to typical APS, experts suspect to a trigger like an infection in genetically vulnerable individuals.
Once diagnosed with APS, anticoagulation is the mainstay of treatment.
Also known asblood thinners, anticoagulants prevent existing blood clots from getting bigger and new blood clots from forming.
Warfarin is avoided in pregnancy when possible.
It may be restarted soon after delivery and is generally considered safe to take while breastfeeding.
Lifestyle Changes With Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Various lifestyle practices can help reduce the risk of blood clot formation.
Based on the INR level, your warfarin dose may be adjusted.
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APS may occur on its own or with another autoimmune disease, namely lupus.
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