Health Information Library

Factor V Leiden

May 12, 2026
Topic

An inherited blood-clotting disorder due to a change in the blood's factor V protein.

Factor V Leiden (FAK-tur five LIDE-n) increases the chance of having clumps of blood, known as clots. This can be life-threatening. People assigned male at birth or female at birth can have factor V Leiden. People who carry the changed gene in factor V Leiden may be more likely to get blood clots during pregnancy or when taking the hormone estrogen.

Most people never develop symptoms. The first sign of the condition may be a blood clot. Some clots do no damage and go away on their own. Others can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a blood clot depend on what part of the body is affected.

Treatment may include blood-thinning medicines. Other precautions, including keeping the legs moving and wearing compression stockings, can reduce the risk of having blood clots.