Hereditary Blood Disorders Explored

There are many different types of blood disorders. Some blood disorders are caused by excessive blood loss from injury, some are caused by other diseases and even still, some are caused by certain...

There are many different types of blood disorders. Some blood disorders are caused by excessive blood loss from injury, some are caused by other diseases and even still, some are caused by certain medications. Yet, there are some blood disorders that are hereditary, meaning they are passed down from generations. The most common hereditary blood disorders include hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, thrombophilia and thalassemia. Here is a closer look at these hereditary disorders of the blood.

Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease: These blood disorders are probably the most common blood disorders that are passed down. Both of these usually are present at birth and when parents know they are carriers, they can have their unborn child tested for these disorders. It is estimated that hemophilia affects about 19,000 males in the United Sates. Interestingly enough, hemophilia almost always affects males only. When suffering from hemophilia, the blood does not clot properly. This can cause excessive bleeding both externally and internally. Even a small injury can cause serious problems among those that suffer from this disorder. Those that suffer from this medical condition will need constant medical care throughout their lives to prevent problems with bleeding.

The other blood disorder that is quite common is von Willebrand disease. This bleeding disorder currently affects about two percent of the population of the United States in both male and females. This disease is caused by a defect or a deficiency to produce a factor in the blood called von Willebrand. This is a protein found in the blood that helps it clot properly. Without this factor, those suffering from this condition can bleed easily.

Yet another type of blood disorder that is passed down to children at birth is called Thrombophilia. This is considered a clotting disorder. This condition is also called deep vein thrombosis (or DVT). While this is a preventable blood disorder, it can be passed down. This happens when a large clot forms in a large vein and travels to major organs. Many times, these clots will form in the arm, thigh, pelvis or even the lower leg. Left undiagnosed and untreated, these blood clots can easily cause disability and sometimes death. If someone in your family suffers from this condition, it does not mean you will automatically get it as well. It simply means that you are at a greater risk and should make sure you get regular medical check ups to prevent problems.

Thalassemia is yet another hereditary blood disorder. While it is not as common as the others (it is estimated that about 1000 people in the United States have this disease), it can be quite severe. Thalassemia is also known as Cooley’s Anemia and is the most severe form of this condition. This blood disorder is caused by a genetic defect in the red blood cells. When this defect is present in the blood, it affects the way the body produces and uses hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is critical in carrying oxygen to the body and without it, it can cause severe and chronic anemia.

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