Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Venous Thromboembolism Incidence

Abstract

DEEP VEIN thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE), collectively referred to as venous thromboembolism (VTE), are major sources of morbidity and mortality. Several risk factors for VTE are well established, including hereditary predisposition, immobilization, surgery, and cancer.¹ However, it remains unclear whether arterial disease risk factors are also important to VTE because few population-based prospective epidemiologic studies of VTE have been done.^2-4 None has examined whether physical inactivity or abstaining from alcohol may increase risk of VTE.