Von Willibrand Disease: Under the Radar Bleeding Disorder

Von Willebrand disease (vWD) disease is a common inherited condition that can sometimes cause heavy bleeding. People with VWD have a low level of a substance called Von Willebrand factor in their blood or this substance doesn't work very well. There is currently no cure for VWD, but it doesn't usually cause serious problem and usually cause serious problems and most people with it can live normal, active lives. Further tests are recommended in patients who have a history of prolonged bleeding and bleeding time and other routine coagulation tests done preoperatively cannot always make a definite diagnosis.