1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Stroke

Antiphospholipid Antibody

From Jose Vega M.D., Ph.D., for About.com

Updated: September 18, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Antibodies which increased the risk of blood blots can be found in some blood testsPhoto © A.D.A.M.
Definition: An antibody produced by the immune system of people who have a propensity to produce blood clots. The antiphospholipid antibody binds to lipid molecules on the membrane of the body's own cells, causing the coagulation system to become prematurely activated. This abnormal interaction drives the formation of blood clots.

Blood clots are often the cause of embolic strokes.

Explore Stroke
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Stroke
  4. Glossary
  5. Antiphospholipid Antibody - Definition of Antiphospholipid Antibody

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.