Summary

• Also known as prothrombotic state or thrombophilia, it is the propensity to venous thrombosis due to an abnormality in the coagulation system.
• It may be inherited or acquired, although in some cases the underlying cause has not been identified.
• Many factors contribute to the hypercoagulable state. Inherited thrombophilia affects up to 10% of the population; acquired risk factors, such as obesity and hormonal therapy, are frequent in the community.
• Most patients with heritable thrombophilia remain asymptomatic.
• Venous thromboembolism is the most common manifestation of the hypercoagulable state. It can be prevented in some patients, with identification of those at risk and appropriate thromboprophylaxis during periods of high risk, such as admission to hospital and following major surgery.