Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system mistakenly produces certain proteins called antiphospholipid antibodies. Instead of protecting your body, these antibodies target phospholipids, which are fats found in blood cells and blood vessel linings. This interaction can make your blood more prone to clotting, both in arteries (carrying blood away from the heart) and veins (carrying blood back to the heart). These unwanted blood clots can lead to serious health problems, including strokes, heart attacks, deep vein thrombosis (clots in legs), pulmonary embolism (clots in lungs), and can cause complications during pregnancy like recurrent miscarriages or pre-eclampsia. APS can occur on its own (primary APS) or in conjunction with other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus (secondary APS). The exact reason why the immune system starts producing these antibodies is often unknown. Lab tests are essential to diagnose APS by identifying the specific antiphospholipid antibodies in your blood. These tests (such as lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, and anti-beta-2-glycoprotein I antibodies) help your doctor understand if these antibodies are present and at levels that suggest APS. This information is crucial for confirming a diagnosis, especially if you've experienced unexplained clotting events or pregnancy complications, and helps guide treatment to prevent future issues.