Is there a genetic basis for von willebrand disease?

Yes. : The basic genetics is autosomal dominant. This means that if you inherit one abnormal gene from either of your parents, you may have decreased vw factor. This is the most common form, type 1. Other types are also inherited, but the inheritance typically requires getting 2 abnormal genes, one from each parent.

Yes: Vwd is an inherited condition. It affects both males and females. If one parent has the most common type, type 1, then each child has a 50% chance of inheriting the disease.