Management of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. A statement for healthcare professionals. Council on Thrombosis (in consultation with the Council on Cardiovascular Radiology), American Heart Association.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common but elusive illness that can result in suffering and death if not recognized and treated effectively. DVT occurs in ≈2 million Americans each year. Death can occur when the venous thrombi break off and form pulmonary emboli, which pass to and obstruct the arteries of the lungs. DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) most often complicate the course of sick, hospitalized patients but may also affect ambulatory and otherwise healthy persons.1 2 3 4 It is estimated that each year 600 000 patients develop PE and that 60 000 die of this complication.5 6 7 This number exceeds the number of American women who die each year from breast cancer. PE is now the most frequent cause of death associated with childbirth.8 Women are a prime target for PE, being affected more often than men. Deep vein thrombosis is a major complication in orthopedic surgical patients and patients with cancer and other chronic illnesses. DVT can be a chronic disease. Patients who survive the initial episode of DVT are prone to chronic swelling of the leg and pain because the valves in the veins can be damaged by the thrombotic process, leading to venous hypertension. In some instances skin ulceration and impaired mobility prevent patients from leading normal, active lives. In addition, patients with DVT are prone to recurrent episodes. In those instances in which DVT and PE develop as complications of a surgical or medical illness, in addition to the mortality risk, hospitalization is prolonged and healthcare costs are increased. Over the past 20 years results of clinical trials have provided information that has revolutionized the approach to management of venous thromboembolic disease. New diagnostic modalities and therapeutic agents have been developed that are more effective, less expensive, and more …