Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Bleeding Disorders
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Genetic defects cannot be prevented. Medical conditions that cause clotting problems are sometimes preventable. Correct use of anticoagulant medicines is important. Major advances in the treatment of infections, organ transplants, and cancer can help prevent some cases. Special surgery techniques and medicines to stop bleeding can also minimize problems from bleeding disorders.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Mild clotting problems usually have no long-term effects. They may become evident only with major surgery. More severe problems may require lifelong treatment. These can cause fatal bleeding as well as a need for close medical and surgical monitoring.
Chronic or serious bleeding problems have many risks, including:
What are the risks to others?
In general, bleeding disorders are not contagious and pose no risk to others. Some bleeding problems are related to infections that may be contagious. For example, HIV, some upper respiratory infections, hepatitis, and infectious mononucleosis ("mono") can occasionally lead to bleeding problems.