Dear Dr. Gott: I am writing in response to the gentleman in a recent column who said he had "sticky blood."

I have factor V, double genetics, which makes me a homozygote. There are many people who have had blood clots and are still underdiagnosed for this genetic condition. Many doctors are unaware that it even exists. I was diagnosed after a family doctor recommended I have genetic testing following a blood clot in my leg at age 40. I am now 43 and live knowing the health risks of having homozygous factor V. None of them are good.

I am currently writing a college research paper on factor V and have learned how dangerous it can be. Please run a column on this matter to help educate those who have been afflicted by blood clots or have a strong family history, such as mine does.

Dear Reader: You seem to be well-educated on your condition, so please permit me to explain to other readers.

In order to understand the condition, we must first know what "factor V" and "homozygote" mean.

Homozygote is a term used primarily to explain a genetic condition in which there are two identical copies of one gene.

Factor V is a blood-clotting disorder of the factor V Leiden gene that controls fibrin production (a substance that is responsible for aiding blood clotting). Heterozygous factor V (one inherited defective gene) is rare, occurring in about five percent of the Caucasian population, and homozygous (two inherited infected genes) is extremely rare, occurring in less than 1 percent. Both forms are seen even less frequrently in Hispanic, Asian, African and Native American populations. Factor V can increase the risk of blood clots. Risk may differ from person to person because of other factors such as hormone use, pregnancy, alcohol, smoking or other factors.

I urge anyone with a strong family history of blood clots or people who develop clots before the age of 40 to see a haematologist for further testing. Certain measures need to be taken prior to surgery, hospitalisation and other situations.

Thank you for writing and informing others of this potentially life-threatening condition. Because it is rare, it may be, as you say, underdiagnosed, and word needs to get out to those who suffer from chronic or recurring blood clots.

Doctor Gott is a retired physician and the author of the book "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet," available at most chain and independent bookstores, and the recently published "Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook."

If readers would like to contact Dr. Gott, they may write him at Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th floor, New York, NY 10016m, USA.