Risk Factors and Short-term Mortality of Venous Thromboembolism Diagnosed in the Primary Care Setting in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) represent different manifestations of the same clinical entity, which is referred to as venous thromboembolism (VTE). Venous thromboembolism can start with the formation of a venous clot (thrombosis), often occurring in the deep veins of the legs, thighs, or pelvis (ie, DVT) and can often be asymptomatic. Pulmonary embolism occurs if part or all of a thrombus is dislodged from a vein wall, travels to the lungs, and lodges within the pulmonary arteries, and there is a substantial chance of fatality.¹