Risk of VTE in Medical Patients
Primary preventive measures can reduce morbidity and mortality
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a well-recognised cause of preventable morbidity and mortality in hospitalised patients. About 1 in 4 cases of VTE is associated with hospitalisation, and VTE may occur in patients hospitalised to treat medical illness as well in those undergoing surgery.6, 52
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is often asymptomatic. The first sign of thrombosis may be pulmonary embolism (PE) — a potentially fatal cardiovascular event, responsible for up to 10% of deaths in the hospital.52 Therefore, waiting for the signs and symptoms of VTE to appear before instituting anticoagulant treatment increases the risk of morbidity and mortality.
The most effective approach to decreasing the burden of VTE is primary prophylaxis (by improving venous return or decreasing coagulability) in patients at high risk.52
Learn more about venous thromboembolism with our Animated Thrombosis Overviews
- 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.
- 52 - Francis CW. Clinical practice. Prophylaxis for thromboembolism in hospitalized medical patients. N Engl J Med. 2007;356(14):1438-1444.
- 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.
