What is a common symptom of von Willebrand disease?

Von Willebrand disease is primarily characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, which is crucial for platelet adhesion during the clotting process. This means that individuals with this condition often exhibit impaired platelet function, leading to issues such as prolonged bleeding times, easy bruising, and excessive bleeding from wounds or during surgeries.

Impaired platelet function directly results from the inability of platelets to effectively stick to the damaged blood vessels, which can cause symptoms like frequent nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, and bleeding gums. Recognizing these symptoms as related to impaired platelet function is essential for diagnosing and managing von Willebrand disease effectively.