The primary mechanisms for coagulation were described more than a century ago. However, inherited disorders of coagulation have been recognized for only a few decades. Activated protein C resistance and other related protein defects account for many cases of hypercoagulability. Primary care physicians can initiate testing in individuals for whom there is a high degree of suspicion. Testing for specific disorders is best performed before initiation of anticoagulant therapy.
Management often includes long-term warfarin therapy following initial anticoagulation with heparin.
Wisconsin The accumulating evidence for the role of homocysteine as a risk factor for atherosclerosis is persuasive. A high plasma homocysteine concentration induces pathologic changes in the arterial wall and thus is strongly associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, manifested as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular events. Studies are being conducted to determine whether lowering homocysteine levels prevents occlusive events. At present, testing for elevated homocysteine concentrations should be considered in patients with premature atherosclerosis or a strong family history of atherosclerosis, since hyperhomocysteinemia is a common risk factor in these patients. Treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia is straightforward and associated with minimal risk.