Is von Willebrand disease life threatening?
Rarely, von Willebrand disease can cause uncontrollable bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Other complications of von Willebrand disease can include: Anemia.
Can von Willebrand disease get worse?
This protein is called the von Willebrand factor. It helps your blood to clot by helping the platelets stick together. The disease is mild in most people. It can stay the same or get better or worse as you get older.
At what age is von Willebrand disease diagnosed?
76% of men with VWD had been diagnosed by age 10, but 50% of women with VWD were not diagnosed until after age 12.
Can von Willebrand disease cause death?
People with von Willebrand disease sometimes experience heavier-than-normal bleeding from injury, surgery, and, in women, menstrual flow and childbirth. This bleeding can cause health problems including pain and anemia (low number of red blood cells). In rare cases, the bleeding can lead to death.
Can you donate blood if you have von Willebrand disease?
Blood and bleeding diseases or issues will often disqualify you from donating blood. If you suffer from hemophilia, Von Willebrand disease, hereditary hemochromatosis, or sickle cell disease, you are not eligible to donate blood.
Is von Willebrand disease autoimmune?
While the more common types of von Willebrand’s disease are inherited, it is also possible to develop the condition from an autoimmune disease such as lupus or cancer, or as a result of taking some medications. This is called acquired von Willebrand’s disease.
Does von Willebrand disease make you tired?
The weakening, fatigue and other disruptive effects of VWD can be stopped. Even childbirth can be made safe for a mother and baby. If you have unexplained bleeding symptoms, remember to ask your doctor, “Could I have von Willebrand disease?”
Who suffers from von Willebrand disease?
VWD is the most common bleeding disorder, found in up to 1% of the U.S. population. This means that 3.2 million (or about 1 in every 100) people in the United States have the disease.