World Thrombosis Day: prevention remains the most effective weapon
TEV can be effectively treated if diagnosed promptly, but public awareness needs to be raised in order to reduce a mortality rate that remains far too high
Every year, there are 10 million cases worldwide of venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, two clinical manifestations of the same condition known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). After ischaemic heart disease and ischaemic stroke, VTE is the most common cardiovascular condition and a major cause of death and disability: it ranks third among causes of death in the general population and first among hospitalised patients. Yet, whilst the impact of heart attacks and strokes on overall health is well recognised and understood by the general public, the consequences of VTE remain largely overlooked.
To bridge this information gap, World Thrombosis Day is observed around the world on 13 October. This day serves as a vital call to action, reminding us that blood clots can affect anyone and that it is essential to take control of one’s own health, whilst also being mindful of the link between thrombosis and other chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in the venous system, most commonly in a deep vein of the lower limbs. The real danger arises when this thrombus breaks away and, travelling through the bloodstream, reaches the pulmonary arteries. This phenomenon gives rise to pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially fatal complication of DVT, which causes the death of as many as 1 in 4 people worldwide.
Cases of VTE are steadily increasing due to rising life expectancy, the rise in geriatric surgery and traumatic conditions. From an epidemiological perspective, the condition exhibits different patterns depending on gender: it is generally more common in women of childbearing age (due to pregnancy or the use of hormonal therapies such as contraception or menopause treatments), whilst men have a higher incidence rate from the age of 45 onwards.
Factors that contribute to the disease
There are general risk factors that increase the likelihood of VTE, such as obesity, smoking and inflammatory bowel disease, and situational factors such as prolonged immobility, fractures, orthopaedic surgery and cancer. Nevertheless, awareness remains very low: amongst hospitalised patients, only 25 out of 100 are aware that hospitalisation itself increases the likelihood of developing a thrombosis.
