Discover the facts behind von Willebrand Disease, a common yet often misunderstood bleeding disorder, and explore its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Blood disorders impact the way your body makes or uses blood cells, affecting overall health and wellbeing. Some disorders impact clotting, which helps stop bleeding after injury. Common bleeding and clotting disorders include:
A genetic disorder where blood doesn’t clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding even from minor injuries.
(such as Protein C or S deficiency and Factor V Leiden) increases the risk of abnormal blood clots, sometimes causing serious complications like deep vein thrombosis.
The most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting the blood’s ability to clot due to a deficiency or dysfunction of the von Willebrand factor protein.
A serious condition where abnormal blood clotting occurs throughout the body’s blood vessels, using up clotting factors and platelets and leading to both clotting and dangerous bleeding.
A condition where there are fewer platelets than normal, making it hard for blood to clot.
A condition opposite thrombocytopenia. It occurs when someone is having too many platelets, which can increase the risk of dangerous blood clots.
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of the von Willebrand factor, a protein essential for normal blood clotting. Unlike hemophilia, which mainly affects males, vWD affects both men and women equally and is often less recognized.
Because symptoms can be mild, many people with vWD may not realize they have it. However, understanding this condition is crucial, especially for families with a history of bleeding issues or for those who may need surgery or dental work, where abnormal bleeding could become a concern.
Von Willebrand Disease is usually inherited, meaning it is passed down from parents to children through genes. There are three main types, with Type 1 being the most common and mildest, and Types 2 and 3 being more severe.
Risk factors for vWD include having a family history of the disorder. In rare cases, vWD can also develop later in life due to certain autoimmune diseases, heart conditions, or some cancers.
The symptoms of von Willebrand Disease vary from person to person and can be very mild. Common signs include frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, and excessive bleeding after injury, surgery, or dental procedures.
Women may notice especially heavy or long menstrual periods, and children may bruise easily or bleed for a long time after losing a tooth. Because these symptoms can be subtle, vWD can go undiagnosed for years.
Diagnosing von Willebrand Disease involves a combination of personal and family medical history, details about symptoms, and specialized blood tests that measure how well the blood clots and the amount and function of von Willebrand factor.
Doctors may repeat blood tests over time, since levels of von Willebrand factor can fluctuate due to stress, illness, or even exercise. Early and accurate diagnosis is important to prevent complications and manage bleeding risk.
Treatment for von Willebrand Disease depends on the type and severity of the disorder. Many people with mild vWD may need little or no daily treatment, but medications are available to help boost von Willebrand factor levels or promote clotting during surgeries or injuries.
With proper care and awareness, most people with vWD live healthy, active lives. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about your diagnosis, especially before any medical or dental procedures, and to talk to your care team about the best ways to manage symptoms and prevent bleeding episodes.