Genetics of bleeding disorders

Genetics of bleeding disorders involve inherited changes in genes that affect blood clotting, a process that stops bleeding when injuries occur. These changes can be passed from parents to children and may cause conditions like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, where blood doesn’t clot properly. Such disorders are often caused by mutations in specific genes that produce clotting factors—proteins essential for forming blood clots. Depending on the gene change, the disorder can be inherited in different ways, mainly as X-linked (more common in males) or autosomal (affects males and females equally). Understanding these genetic factors helps in diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling.