hypercoagulability
Pronunciation: HIGH-per-koh-AG-you-lah-BIL-ih-tee
Increased tendency toward blood clot formation due to genetic or acquired factors affecting coagulation.
Full Definition
Hypercoagulability, also known as thrombophilia, describes conditions that predispose to excessive blood clotting. Inherited causes include factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, and protein C or S deficiency. Acquired causes include malignancy, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and antiphospholipid syndrome. In vascular medicine, hypercoagulable states increase risk for venous thromboembolism, arterial thrombosis, and graft or stent thrombosis. Testing is typically reserved for patients with unprovoked or recurrent thrombotic events.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'thrombophilia' for inherited conditions, 'hypercoagulability' for acquired states.
In Context
- "Workup for hypercoagulability was initiated following the patient's second unprovoked DVT." — Hematology consultation
- "The patient's hypercoagulability requires long-term anticoagulation therapy." — Treatment plan