Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

VENOUS thromboembolism (VTE) is a major national health problem, with at least 201 000 first lifetime cases reported each year in the United States.¹ Of these, about 25% die within 7 days of VTE onset; for about 22% of all patients with VTE, death is so rapid, there is insufficient time for intervention.² Thus, to improve survival, patients at risk must be identified and given appropriate prophylaxis in order to reduce the incidence of VTE. Despite improved prophylaxis regimens,³ however, the annual incidence of VTE has been relatively constant, at about 1 event per 1000 person-years since 1979.¹ The failure to reduce this rate may be a result of uncertainty regarding risk factors for VTE and the associated difficulty in recognizing individuals at risk.