A single clot with a temporary trigger — perhaps an earlier surgery — might only require blood thinner use for a few months.
When the cause of a blood clot isn’t clear, or when you seem to clot too much, consider seeking specialized help. For blood clotting disorders that don’t need immediate attention, you have a range of treatment choices.
At the Penn Comprehensive Hemophilia and Thrombosis Program, we can assess your risk of clotting and coagulation disorders to recommend the right treatment. We find a customized approach that works for you and protects your health.
Why Choose Penn Medicine for Blood Clot Treatment?
Whether you’re experiencing your first blood clot or have a history of clots, we can help. We can determine whether the clot seems like a one-time event or may result from a disorder that could cause more clots. We also offer second opinions if you have questions about your current treatment.
When you choose our program, you can count on:
- Expert medical team: Like other teams at Penn Hematology, our program reflects a high degree of expertise. Our hematologists (blood doctors) are leaders in caring for people with blood clot disorders. They have deep experience ordering and interpreting tests and knowing when to recommend treatment. They’re joined by veteran nurses who specialize in hematology. Learn more about the hematologists at Penn Medicine.
- Access to other top specialists: Sometimes people need to see additional Penn Medicine specialists because of the location of clots and the risks they pose. We can coordinate care to prevent critical problems such as a stroke or heart attack. Some types of clotting require immediate medical care, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.
- Extra help for women and people in gender transition: At certain times in their lives, women face additional clotting risks. So does anyone who uses hormone-replacement therapy (HRT). We provide focused expertise for these needs through the Center for Women’s Thrombosis and Hemostasis (thrombosis refers to clotting). Learn more about our risk assessment of clotting with birth control, pregnancy, and HRT.
- Innovation: We’re constantly looking for ways to improve blood clot care. Our team recently helped develop a test related to newer types of blood thinners. It helps doctors quickly measure how much medication is in your blood, in case you need surgery or other urgent medical care.
Blood Clotting Disorder Treatment
When you come to see us for a blood clot, the first step is exploring what may have caused the clot.
Some clots develop as a result of medical conditions or use of particular medications. Other blood clot disorders are inherited, meaning you’re born with them. But not everyone with an inherited disorder develops clots. A genetic change called factor V Leiden is the most common example.
During the evaluation, we:
- Ask about your and your family’s medical history, to explore the circumstances behind the clot
- Do a physical exam
- Run blood tests
- Try to estimate the chance that you could develop another blood clot
If you test positive for a genetic clotting disorder, we can discuss what that means for your health.
Treating Blood Clots With Anticoagulants
Treatment for blood clots usually involves an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Traditional choices include warfarin and heparin. Newer options include a group of drugs called direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).
When choosing an anticoagulant, we consider how likely you are to have further clots and discuss possible side effects, particularly bleeding. We also talk to you about your preferences and treatment goals.
Together, we decide which blood thinner to prescribe, at what dose, and for how long. If you need to take blood thinners only for a short time, we may not need to see you again. Other people need to take blood thinners long-term, with annual checkups recommended.
Second Opinions on Blood Thinner Use
Specialized centers such as ours can help clarify the proper role of blood thinners and how long to prescribe them after a clot.
If you have questions about your existing treatment plan, we’re happy to provide a consultation. We can evaluate the type of blood thinner you use, the dose, and how long you’re supposed to take it.
Other Interventions to Treat Clots
For most blood clots, anticoagulation therapy is enough. If you need additional medications or procedures to break up or remove clots, we help you get this care through other top specialists at Penn Medicine:
Make an Appointment
Please call 800-789-7366 or make an appointment.