Your body naturally produces proteins called antibodies to protect itself against infections or invaders; however, those living with APS produce antibodies which target fat molecules found throughout blood vessels, increasing their risk for blood clots in arteries or veins of any part of their body – including brain, heart, lungs or legs.
When treating blood clots, standard treatment consists of taking medications such as heparin and warfarin (Jantoven) to thin the blood.
Diet
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) occurs when immune system cells – designed to defend you against disease and infection – begin attacking healthy parts of your body, such as blood vessels. The harmful antibodies target proteins found in fats called phospholipids. As a result, your blood becomes thick and sticky, increasing the chances of blood clot formation in either your arteries or veins – usually legs and lungs but they may form elsewhere like brain tissue or placenta of pregnant women as well. Antiphospholipid syndrome can lead to serious health problems including strokes and miscarriages.
APS affects more women than men and usually presents in those under 50. Lupus may cause it, while certain medications like corticosteroids can trigger it as well.
Blood tests can detect abnormal antibodies, but this does not mean you have Autoimmune Polyarthritis Syndrome (APS). You could just have antibodies for an extended period before experiencing no further issues with them.
Doctors typically diagnose APS by reviewing an individual’s medical history and performing a physical exam, looking out for signs of blood clot or pregnancy loss and ordering blood tests to check for abnormal antibodies; an official diagnosis will only be made if they appear in blood tests conducted more than 12 weeks apart.
Blood thinners such as low-dose aspirin tablets are the main treatment for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). They reduce risk of blood clot formation by interfering with their production. Although its cause remains unknown, persistent antiphospholipid antibodies could be linked to various health conditions or internal microbiomes (the collection of bacteria that reside inside us all).
People living with APS who do not also suffer from another autoimmune disorder, like lupus, are still able to become pregnant and give birth successfully. However, those who also have other autoimmune diseases such as Lupus may experience complications in their pregnancy such as miscarriages or blood clots in their legs and arms that complicate gestation further.
Exercise
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is a condition which increases the risk of blood clots in blood vessels of the heart, lungs and brain. Sometimes referred to as Hughes syndrome after its first description in 1980 by doctor Richard Hughes, it can lead to serious health issues including miscarriages, blood clots in arteries and veins, stroke and organ failure – more prevalent in women but men can also get APS.
Under this condition, your immune system produces proteins called antibodies to attack fats known as phospholipids found in the blood, leading to sticky blood that increases your risk for blood clots in arteries and veins. Clots can damage kidneys, brain, heart and lungs as well as form in placenta causing miscarriages among pregnant women with APS.
Doctors treat people diagnosed with APS with medications to reduce blood clots and protect the liver and heart, such as anticoagulants like heparin and warfarin as well as cortisone-related drugs like prednisone. Hydroxychloroquine may provide some additional protection from blood clots in people suffering from both APS and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Medication and lifestyle modifications may help alleviate symptoms associated with APS; however, most people living with the disorder need to continue taking them throughout their lives.
If you have Antiphospholipid Syndrome, or APS, and experience new symptoms – such as arm or leg clots or miscarriage. Your healthcare provider will check for antibodies related to APS and order other tests to pinpoint what may be causing these issues.
Some people with antibodies for Antiphospholipid Syndrome do not exhibit symptoms, like blood clots or miscarriages. When treated with blood thinners and maintaining healthy lifestyles, those living with APS may lead normal lives. If diagnosed, blood thinners will probably need to be taken throughout life as healthcare providers will monitor your condition closely to make sure blood doesn’t clot excessively even after injury such as cuts and bruises occur.
Blood Thinners
Blood thinners are the primary way of treating APD and may need to be taken for life; your doctor will recommend which medication would best meet your needs – be sure to follow their directions closely when taking these medicines!
People living with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are at high risk for venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, two blood clots that form in veins in legs or arms. Furthermore, pregnant women living with APS may also be susceptible to miscarriages and fetal growth retardation as abnormal antiphospholipid antibodies can affect cells of both uterus and placenta, thus decreasing blood flow to their unborn fetuses and inhibiting development.
Primary care doctors typically detect symptoms of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS). Your GP will order a blood test to detect antiphospholipid antibodies associated with this condition; if antibody levels are elevated, they will likely refer you to either a hematologist (specialized in treating blood disorders) or rheumatologist (specialized in treating autoimmune conditions).
Hematologists and rheumatologists typically work in concert to treat APS. Medication to thin the blood is often prescribed alongside lifestyle recommendations like not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight, eating nutritiously, exercising regularly and avoiding tobacco smoke.
Some foods, herbs and spices, vitamins, salicylates and omega-3 fatty acids contain natural blood-thinning agents; to maximize effectiveness of blood thinners you should avoid these items in your diet and medications regimen. Speak with both hematologist and rheumatologist regarding diet and all medications taken as certain antibiotics such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole/ciprofloxacin/clarithromycin can interfere with their effectiveness as blood thinners.
Persistent fatigue is another symptom of APS that can have an extreme negative impact on quality of life. Some individuals suffering from APS also report headaches not necessarily related to fatigue; such headaches could be the result of having low blood platelet counts, something common among those living with this disease.
Pregnancy
Antibody-mediated thrombocytopenia syndrome, or APS, occurs when antibodies – immune system cells that normally protect your body against bacteria and viruses – attack healthy parts of your blood vessels, leading to abnormal blood clots to form in both arteries and veins. Depending on where these clots form, APS increases your risk for health issues like heart attack, stroke and kidney damage as well as pregnancy issues such as miscarriage and placental clots.
Researchers don’t fully understand what causes APS; however, those living with it often also suffer from other health conditions, including lupus and joint inflammation. Some scientists suspect genetic makeup plays a part in its occurrence while other scientists believe the immune system is stimulated by harmful bacteria in the digestive tract that trigger symptoms that contribute to its formation.
Some individuals test positive for antiphospholipid antibodies but don’t experience symptoms associated with Antiphospholipid Syndrome. These people are known as aPL-positive and can live their lives unaffected by these antibodies; however, they remain at risk of developing APS later. It could develop due to age or due to other health events like pregnancy loss or illness.
People living with APS also tend to have low levels of platelets – small cells responsible for controlling bleeding – which may result in heavy bruising and excessive bleeding. They could even have chronic low-platelet syndrome which doesn’t present with symptoms but can result in abnormal blood clots.
Your doctor can diagnose APS by performing three types of blood tests; you will typically undergo each type twice every 12 weeks. These tests search for specific antiphospholipid antibodies. Other blood tests you might need, including liver function tests, an electrocardiogram and renal ultrasound may also be conducted by your GP; should any be present, medications such as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin) will likely be prescribed to reduce your chances of blood clot formation such as these will likely be prescribed accordingly.
