Annual Probability of Blood Clot (DVT or PE)

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), affects approximately 900,000 Americans each year (about 1 in 333). PE alone causes an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 deaths per year in the US, making it the third leading vascular cause of death after heart attack and stroke.

Risk factors include prolonged immobility (long flights, bed rest, hospitalization), recent surgery (especially hip and knee replacement), cancer, pregnancy, hormonal contraceptives (which increase risk 3-4 times), obesity, smoking, family history, and age over 60. About 25-50% of first-time VTE events are idiopathic (no identifiable cause).

DVT typically presents with leg swelling, pain, warmth, and redness. PE symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and coughing up blood. PE can be fatal within hours of onset if untreated. Treatment involves anticoagulant medications (blood thinners), initially heparin followed by oral anticoagulants for 3-12 months or longer. The recurrence rate after a first VTE is about 25-30% within 10 years. Prevention during high-risk situations includes compression stockings, early mobilization after surgery, and prophylactic anticoagulants.