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Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Urgent
Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which persistent antiphospholipid antibodies increase the tendency of the blood to clot abnormally. The condition can cause blood clots in veins or arteries and is also associated with certain pregnancy complications. Clots may affect the legs, lungs, brain, or other organs. Some people have antiphospholipid antibodies without developing clinical complications, so diagnosis requires both appropriate clinical findings and persistent laboratory evidence.
Body System
Blood & Immune System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Antiphospholipid syndrome requires medical assessment because it can cause blood clots and pregnancy complications. Seek prompt care for new unexplained leg swelling, pain, redness, recurrent pregnancy loss, or other possible clotting symptoms. Emergency medical attention is needed for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing blood, sudden weakness or speech difficulty, severe limb pain or discoloration, fainting, or other signs of a major clot or stroke.
Symptoms
2
Causes
3
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which persistent antiphospholipid antibodies increase the tendency of the blood to clot abnormally. The condition can cause blood clots in veins or arteries and is also associated with certain pregnancy complications. Clots may affect the legs, lungs, brain, or other organs. Some people have antiphospholipid antibodies without developing clinical complications, so diagnosis requires both appropriate clinical findings and persistent laboratory evidence.
Symptoms 2
Brittle Nails
Difficulty Healing
Causes 3
Antiphospholipid syndrome is associated with persistent antibodies directed against phospholipid-associated proteins. These antibodies can interfere with normal blood-clotting regulation and increase the tendency to form clots. The condition may occur on its own or alongside another autoimmune disease, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus. The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies alone does not necessarily mean that a person has the clinical syndrome; relevant clinical complications and persistent laboratory findings are considered together.
Autoimmune Disorder
Genetics
Pregnancy
Risk Factors
Risk is influenced by persistent antiphospholipid antibodies, a previous blood clot, pregnancy-related complications, and associated autoimmune disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Additional factors such as smoking, prolonged immobility, surgery, estrogen exposure, and other inherited or acquired clotting risks can further increase the likelihood of thrombosis. The overall risk varies considerably between individuals.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis requires appropriate clinical findings together with persistent laboratory evidence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Relevant clinical findings include objectively confirmed thrombosis or specific pregnancy complications recognized as part of the syndrome. Laboratory evaluation may test for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I antibodies. Positive antibody findings generally need to remain present on repeat testing performed at the appropriate interval rather than being based on a single isolated result.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Risk reduction depends on the person's history and whether antiphospholipid syndrome has already caused thrombosis or pregnancy complications
Avoiding smoking, maintaining regular movement, managing blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors, and following prescribed preventive treatment can reduce clotting risk
During periods of increased risk such as surgery, prolonged immobility, or pregnancy, medical advice should be followed carefully
People with confirmed antiphospholipid syndrome may require individualized anticoagulation or pregnancy-related management
Prevention Guidance
Risk reduction depends on the person's history and whether antiphospholipid syndrome has already caused thrombosis or pregnancy complications. Avoiding smoking, maintaining regular movement, managing blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors, and following prescribed preventive treatment can reduce clotting risk. During periods of increased risk such as surgery, prolonged immobility, or pregnancy, medical advice should be followed carefully. People with confirmed antiphospholipid syndrome may require individualized anticoagulation or pregnancy-related management.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Fresh Vegetables
Support cardiovascular health.
Whole Grains
Provide balanced nutrition.
Fish
Contains beneficial omega-3 fats.
Foods to Avoid
Excess Saturated Fat
May increase cardiovascular risk.
Processed Foods
Less healthy dietary choice.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
It is an autoimmune disorder that increases blood clot risk.
Blood clots and pregnancy complications are common.
Specific antibody blood tests are performed.
Yes, it may increase pregnancy complications.
Yes, with medications and monitoring.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.