Thick Blood Due to Factor V Leiden and Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) High Phytanic Acid Levels and Muscle Dysfunction
Having "thick blood" usually refers to a condition where the blood is more viscous (sticky) than normal. This increased thickness can make it harder for blood to flow smoothly through veins and arteries, raising the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), strokes, and heart attacks . One of the major causes of thick blood is genetic clotting disorders , including Factor V Leiden and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) . These conditions increase the likelihood of abnormal blood clot formation, making proper management essential for long-term health. Causes of Thick Blood Several medical conditions and factors can contribute to thicker-than-normal blood, including: 1. Polycythemia Vera A rare blood disorder caused by a mutation in the JAK2 gene , leading to an overproduction of red blood cells (RBCs) . This excessive RBC count increases blood viscosity. 2. High Platelet Count (Thrombocytosis) An excess number of platelets in the blood can heighten the ri...