What is antiphospholipid syndrome?

Antiphospholipid Syndrome
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Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS): Overview

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a condition that makes the blood clot too easily. This can lead to serious problems, such as a stroke, a heart attack, and blood clots in the legs or lungs. During pregnancy, APS can lead to miscarriage and other serious pregnancy problems.

APS is caused by antibodies. Normally, the immune system makes antibodies that attack germs like bacteria or viruses. But in APS, the immune system makes abnormal antibodies that affect how the blood clots.

APS is most often treated with blood thinners. If you're pregnant, you will need treatment. Your health will be closely watched.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a condition that makes the blood clot too easily. This can lead to serious problems such as a stroke, a heart attack, and blood clots in the legs or lungs. During pregnancy, APS can lead to miscarriage and other serious pregnancy problems.

APS is caused by antibodies. Normally, the immune system makes antibodies that attack germs like bacteria or viruses. In APS, the immune system makes abnormal antibodies that affect how the blood clots. These antibodies can be found with a blood test. A person who has these antibodies and has had blood clots is said to have APS.

APS is usually treated with blood-thinning medicine. Treatment and close monitoring are needed during pregnancy.

How can you care for yourself when you have antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)?

  • Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you have any problems with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
  • If you take a blood thinner, be sure you get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.
  • Do not take any vitamins, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal products without talking to your doctor first.
  • If you are pregnant, get any special care that your doctor recommends. This may include medicine that may help prevent a miscarriage.

Antiphospholipid syndrome: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have symptoms of a stroke. These may include:
    • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
    • Sudden vision changes.
    • Sudden trouble speaking.
    • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
    • Sudden problems with walking or balance.
    • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
  • You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have signs of a blood clot in your leg (called a deep vein thrombosis), such as:
    • Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
    • Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You do not get better as expected.

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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.