Welcome
Founded in 2005, APS Foundation of America, Inc. (APSFA) is the only United States nonprofit health agency dedicated to bringing national awareness to Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS), the major cause of multiple miscarriages, thrombosis, young strokes and heart attacks. We are a volunteer run, community based 501(c)3 non-profit Public Charity organization and is dedicated to fostering and facilitating joint efforts in the areas of education, support, public awareness, research and patient services. The APSFA’s Medical Advisory Team includes nationally & internationally recognized experts on Antiphospholipid Syndrome.
APS is an autoimmune disorder in which the body recognizes certain normal components of blood and/or cell membranes as foreign substances and produces antibodies against them. There are two known forms. APS may occur in people with systemic lupus erythematosus, other autoimmune disease, or in otherwise healthy individuals.
APS is also referred to as APLS or APLA in the United States and formerly Hughes Syndrome or Sticky Blood in the UK.
#1
cause of
stroke in
young people
responsible for
1 in 3
strokes in people under 50
responsible for up to
20%
of all deep-vein blood clots (DVT)
responsible for
1 in 5
recurrent miscarriages
estimated to affect
1 in 2000
Americans
What is Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)?
APS is associated with recurrent clotting events (thrombosis) including premature stroke, repeated miscarriages, phlebitis, venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism. It is also associated with low platelet or blood elements that prevent bleeding. Recently, however, even more disease states have been linked with APL including premature heart attack, migraine headaches, various cardiac valvular abnormalities, skin lesions, abnormal movement/chorea, diseases that mimic multiple sclerosis, vascular diseases of the eye that can lead to visual loss and blindness.
Find a Doctor
With the help of our Medical Advisory team, our forum members, and other APS patients, we have compiled a list of doctors who are familiar with APS and who currently treat APS patients. The doctors on this list may not be “experts” in APS, but other APS patients have recommended them. The APS Foundation of America, Inc. does not endorse any of these doctors—they were simply suggested to us by others who have had luck with them. Every APS case is unique, so you may not have the same positive experience. Please be sure to call their office to inquire directly to ensure that they accept your health insurance and are accepting new patients.
Get Involved
APS is the #1 cause for stroke in young people. There are many ways you can join the APS Foundation of America, Inc. in raising awareness of APS and in the fight for a cure.
Get support for yourself or offer your experiences to others in our online forum. Donate, check out the events page, or shop our CafePress store*, Facebook Shop*, and Zazzle store* for APS Gear.
Find out more ways you can help below.
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Our Mission
Founded in 2005, the APS Foundation of America, Inc. is dedicated to fostering and facilitating joint efforts in the areas of education, public awareness, research, and patient services for Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) in an effective and ethical manner.
Information Sheets
DISCLAIMER: APS Foundation of America, Inc. website is not intended to replace standard doctor-patient visits, physical examination, and medical testing. Information given to members is only an opinion. All information should be confirmed with your personal doctor. Always seek the advice of a trained physician in person before seeking any new treatment regarding your medical diagnosis or condition. Any information received from APS Foundation of America, Inc. website is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure. This site is for informational purposes only. Please note that we will be listing all donor or purchaser's names on the Donor page of our foundation site. If you do not want your name listed, please contact us to opt out. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.