Venous thromboembolism: An overview

• Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disease that includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
• VTE is the third most common cardiovascular illness after acute coronary syndrome.
• The incidence of PE in the United States is estimated to be 1 case per 1,000 people per year.
• Rudolf Virchow described the pathophysiology of DVT in 1846.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a disease that includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). It is a common, lethal disorder that affects both hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients. PE and DVT are 2 clinical presentations of VTE and share the same predisposing factors. In most cases, PE is a consequence of DVT. This article discusses the predisposing factors, prevalence, and individuals who are at risk of developing this often life-threatening disease.