Venous thromboembolism associated with reduced lung function, dyspnoea and asthma in the general population

Abstract

<b>Rationale:</b> The recent guideline on acute pulmonary embolism from the European Society of Cardiology indicates possible long-term sequelae such as dyspnoea and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension after a pulmonary embolism event, however, lung function or asthma risk have not been previously evaluated in the general population. <b>Methods:</b> We tested whether individuals with current or previous venous thromboembolism have reduced lung function, or greater risk of dyspnoea&nbsp;or asthma using data from 21,205 individuals from the Danish General Suburban Population Study. <b>Results:</b> Individuals who reported pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, respectively, in the general population had reduced values of FEV1 % predicted of 86% and 89% compared with 95% in individuals without any venous thromboembolism (Student9s t-test, Ps&lt;0.001). Corresponding values for FVC % predicted and FEV1/FVC, respectively, were 92% and 94% versus 99%, and 73% and 75% versus 77% (Ps&lt;0.001). Individuals with pulmonary embolism vs those without had adjusted odds ratios for light, moderate, and severe dyspnoea of 1.7 (95%CI: 0.9-3.2), 2.1 (1.1-4.1), and 3.3 (1.8-5.9), respectively. A similar pattern could be observed in individuals with deep vein thrombosis and venous thromboembolism. Adjusted odds ratios for asthma in individuals with pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and venous thromboembolism were 1.3 (0.7-2.3), 1.7 (1.2-2.3), and 1.6 (1.2-2.2). <b>Conclusion:</b> The results show that individuals with venous thromboembolism in the general population have reduced lung function, and increased risks for dyspnoea and asthma.