Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism comprises deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and strikes more than 1 in 1000 adults per year, causing discomfort, suffering, and occasionally death. DVT is defined as blood clots in the pelvic, leg, or major upper-extremity veins. These clots can break off from the veins, travel through the heart, and lodge in the lung arteries, causing potentially deadly PE. Although about 300 000 new cases are diagnosed yearly in the United States, probably 3 to 4 times as many cases occur without obvious symptoms and are never detected. This illness is often “silent” and can mimic other common conditions such as heart attack, pneumonia, and anxiety. Its aftermath spans a wide spectrum, from inconsequential to fatal. Awareness of DVT and PE is the best way to prevent this condition. Medical professionals have recognized DVT for almost 2 centuries, but until recently, only about half of Americans were informed about the disease. Without knowledge of DVT as a medical problem, the public could not engage healthcare providers to discuss lifestyle changes and more intensive measures that usually succeed in preventing this illness. Historically, many prominent public figures have been afflicted with DVT but received little attention. However, …