Living with Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
A reaction to the drug heparin that lowers platelets and can lead to blood clots.
Understanding Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
It is usually an immune response, typically 4 to 10 days after heparin starts. GARD says up to 5% of people exposed to heparin may have it. Signs include a platelet drop of more than 50% or new blood clots during heparin treatment. It can lead to serious complications.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Blood clot in a deep vein
- Blood clot in an artery
- Blood clot in a vein
- Greater tendency to clot (hypercoagulability)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists and blood and bone marrow specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Platelet Disorder Support Association
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says HIT is an adverse reaction to the drug heparin, usually an immune response.
Also known as: hat; heparin induced thrombocytopenia; heparin-associated thrombocytopenia; heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (disease); heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type 2; hit
Patient organizations
- Platelet Disorder Support AssociationHeparin-induced thrombocytopenia · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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