Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder that causes abnormal blood clotting in arteries and veins, as well as pregnancy complications. It is caused by the immune system producing antiphospholipid antibodies that attack phospholipids in cell membranes, disrupting normal blood clotting. The Cardiolipin Antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM) test is the most important test for diagnosing APS.
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Antiphospholipid Syndrome is caused by the immune system mistakenly producing antibodies that attack phospholipids, which are fat molecules found in cell membranes throughout your body. These rogue antibodies, particularly cardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, and beta-2 glycoprotein antibodies, interfere with the proteins that control blood clotting. When these antibodies attach to phospholipids in your blood vessels, they trigger excessive clot formation, leading to dangerous blockages in arteries and veins. The exact reason why the immune system starts producing these harmful antibodies is not fully understood, but APS can occur on its own (primary APS) or alongside other autoimmune conditions like lupus (secondary APS).
The Cardiolipin Antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM) test is the most important test for Antiphospholipid Syndrome because it detects all three types of cardiolipin antibodies that directly cause blood clotting problems and pregnancy complications. This comprehensive blood test measures IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies against cardiolipin, providing a complete picture of your antiphospholipid antibody status. The test helps doctors confirm the diagnosis, assess your risk level for developing blood clots, and guide treatment decisions. For a definitive APS diagnosis, doctors typically require positive antibody results on two separate occasions at least 12 weeks apart, along with clinical evidence of blood clots or pregnancy complications.
You should get tested if you have experienced unexplained blood clots in your legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), or brain (stroke), especially if you are young and have no other risk factors. Women who have had recurrent miscarriages, especially in the second or third trimester, or complications like preeclampsia or premature birth should definitely be tested. You should also consider testing if you have been diagnosed with another autoimmune disease like lupus, or if you have a family history of blood clotting disorders. Additionally, if you notice symptoms like frequent headaches, vision changes, leg pain or swelling, or skin discoloration (livedo reticularis), these could indicate APS and warrant testing.
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What this means
Your cardiolipin IgG antibody level is elevated above the normal threshold. This result suggests your immune system is producing antibodies that may increase your risk for blood clots and could indicate antiphospholipid syndrome, especially if you have a history of clotting or pregnancy complications. A confirmatory retest in 12 weeks is recommended to determine if this elevation is persistent.
Recommended actions
Discuss with your doctor about blood-thinning medications if you have a history of clots or pregnancy loss
Stay well-hydrated and avoid prolonged periods of sitting or immobility
Inform all healthcare providers about this result before surgeries or long flights
Schedule confirmatory retesting in 12 weeks to assess persistence of elevated antibodies
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