Von Willibrand's Disease

Von Willibrand's disease is the most common bleeding disorder, affecting about 1% of all people. People with VWD take longer to stop bleeding than is normal. Symptoms include frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, and in women, long/heavy menstrual periods (over 6 days).

Von Willibrand's disease (VWD) is a genetic disorder that is associated with a low Von Willibrand protein level. Von Willibrand protein (or factor, VWF) is the glue that holds together the proteins and cells (platelets) in your blood that form a blood clot. People with VWD have a mutation in their VWF gene, their DNA. Other people have been found to have a low VWF level without having a mutation in their VWF gene. People with blood type O, for instance, may have a low VWF level but don't carry an inherited genetic mutation.