Blood Disorders

Blood disorders include a number of different conditions that occur when your blood does not clot properly. Normally, when you start to bleed, your body forms a clot to stop the bleeding. The clot is similar to a plug. In patients with bleeding disorders, the clotting function does not work properly.

Common blood conditions include

• Anemia - Your body needs red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of your body. When you have anemia you don't have enough red blood cells. 
• Blood clots - Though most of the time blood clots are healthy as they stop bleeding. They can also form when they aren't needed and can sometimes cause a stroke or heart attack.
• Hemophilia - Hemophilia is when blood does not clot properly, which makes it hard for bleeding to stop.

Blood Disorders: What You Need to Know

Prevention

Preventing blood disorders depends on the specific blood disorder you have. A hematologist (doctor specializing in blood disorders) can work with you on prevention techniques.

Teamwork

The University of Vermont Medical Center doctors use a collaborative approach to treating blood disorders. Your team may include a number of different specialists working together to manage your care.

Technology

We use the most advanced medical technology available for managing blood disorders, including sophisticated diagnostic techniques and treatment options.

Personalized Care

The UVM Medical Center doctors tailor a course of treatment specifically for you. Your treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the type and severity of the blood disorder.

Experience, Trusted Expertise

At The UVM Medical Center, our hematologists and other specialists have years of experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of blood disorders. You can feel confident knowing you have placed your care in experienced and skilled hands.

What are blood disorders?

In order for blood to clot, you need platelets and proteins called clotting factors. If you have a blood disorder, then either:

• You do not have enough platelets or clotting factors.
• Your platelets or clotting factors are not working properly.

A blood disorder can develop for a number of reasons:

• You have another disease, such as liver disease.
• You have an inherited blood disease, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.
• The blood disorder is a side effect of a medication you are taking.

There are no specific risk factors for blood disorders. If you have a family history of blood disorders, then you should talk to your doctor about early detection and treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Blood Disorders

Your specific course of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the blood disorder. Our doctors use the most advanced treatments and therapies, including factor replacement and plasma transfusion.

Learn more about blood disorders diagnosis and treatment.