Thrombosis Risk

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and premature mortality in the developed world. However, the majority of thromboembolic events can be prevented with appropriate intervention.6, 37

Atrial fibrillation and VTE

VTE is a well-publicised, serious global health concern: from public health scares about the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on long-distance flights to high rates of pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients recovering from major surgery.31, 32

When thrombosis occurs

Complications caused by thromboembolism can play a major role in cardiovascular disease, and blood clots that form in the heart are the major cause of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AF).35, 36

VTE: a serious threat

A thrombus can block the flow of blood through a vein or artery, and can detach from the vessel wall to become a life-threatening embolus when it lodges in the lungs or other vital organs.33, 34, 35 VTE is one of the most frequent serious complications following joint replacement surgery.6

Acute coronary syndrome and VTE

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) can occur when an atherosclerotic plaque ruptures, leading to a potentially life-threatening thrombosis within a coronary artery.35
  • 6 - Geerts WH, Bergqvist D, Pineo GF, et al. Prevention of venous thromboembolism: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines (8th Edition). Chest. 2008;133(6 suppl):381S-453S.
  • 37 - Sandler DA. Martin JF. Autopsy proven pulmonary embolism in hospital patients: are we detecting enough deep vein thrombosis? J R Soc Med. 1989;82(4):203-205.
  • 31 - Lapostolle F, Surget V, Borron SW, et al. Severe pulmonary embolism associated with air travel. N Engl J Med. 2001;345(11):779-783.
  • 32 - Moll S, Mackman N. Venous thromboembolism: a need for more public awareness and research into mechanisms. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2008;28(3):367-369.
  • 35 - Fuster V, Moreno PR, Fayad ZA, Corti R, Badimon JJ. Atherothrombosis and high-risk plaque: part I: evolving concepts. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;46(6):937-954.
  • 36 - Lip GY, Tse HF. Management of atrial fibrillation. Lancet. 2007;370(9587):604-618.
  • 33 - Colman RW, Clowes AW, George JN, Goldhaber SZ, Marder VJ. Overview of hemostasis. In: Colman RW, Clowes AW, George JN, Goldhaber SZ, Marder VJ, eds. Hemostasis and Thrombosis: Basic Principles and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2006:1-16.
  • 34 - Mackman N. Triggers, targets and treatments for thrombosis. Nature. 2008;451(7181):914-918.
Venous thromboembolism
A disease process beginning with a blood clot occurring within the venous system, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
Thrombosis
Formation of a clot inside a blood vessel.
Atrial fibrillation
A heart rhythm disorder where chambers in the upper heart (atria) beat more rapidly than those in the lower section of the heart. Blood is not pumped out of the upper chambers completely during beating, and may pool and form a clot. A stroke results if a section of clot dislodges from the upper chambers and becomes lodged in the brain.
Acute coronary syndrome
An umbrella term used to cover any group of clinical symptoms compatible with an acute heart attack. The subtypes of acute coronary syndrome include unstable angina (in which the heart muscle is not damaged), and two forms of heart attack in which the heart muscle is damaged. These latter types are named according to the appearance of the electrocardiogram as non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).