Hughes syndrome is a condition where clots (thromboses) form in the blood vessels. It is sometimes called "sticky blood", and is also known as antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The condition is named after Dr Graham Hughes, who discovered it in 1983.
Hughes syndrome is a relatively common cause of recurrent stroke, heart attack, thrombosis and miscarriage. It affects both men and women, but is mainly seen in women.
There are two types of Hughes syndrome:
- primary, where Hughes syndrome develops by itself and is not caused by another condition, and
- secondary, when another condition causes you to develop Hughes syndrome. These conditions are typically autoimmune disorders, such as lupus (a condition where the body develops antibodies that attack healthy tissue).
Blood vessels
Blood vessels are the tubes in which blood travels to and from parts of the body. The three main types of blood vessels are veins, arteries and capillaries.
Blood
Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.
Heart attack
A heart attack happens when there is a blockage in one of the arteries in the heart.
Tissue
Body tissue is made up of groups of cells that perform a specific job, such as protecting the body against infection, producing movement or storing fat.
