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Published on: February 10, 2023
Venous thromboembolism in African-Americans: a literature-based commentary
1National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Division of Blood Disorders, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MS D02, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta GA 30333, USA. chooper@cdc.gov
Insights
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of death. This review highlights ethnic disparities in VTE rates in the U.S., emphasizing higher incidence in Black populations and the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Public Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) ranks as the third leading cause of cardiovascular death in the U.S., following ischemic heart disease and stroke.
- VTE incidence and prevalence exhibit significant ethnic variations globally and within the U.S.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the burden of VTE in the U.S. concerning ethnicity.
- To examine clinical demographics and genetic factors contributing to VTE disparities.
- To place particular emphasis on the VTE experience within the Black population.
Main Methods:
- This is a commentary and review article.
- It synthesizes existing data on VTE incidence across different ethnic groups.
- Focuses on demographic and genetic factors influencing VTE rates.
Main Results:
- American Indians/Alaskan Natives and Asians demonstrate significantly lower rates of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) compared to White populations.
- Blacks exhibit notably higher rates of VTE compared to Whites.
- Attributed factors include potential disparities in diagnosis, care, and genetic predispositions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding ethnic variations in VTE is crucial for effective public health strategies and clinical resource allocation.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise demographic and genetic underpinnings of VTE disparities.
- Targeted interventions may be necessary to address the disproportionately high VTE burden in certain ethnic groups, particularly Black populations.
Abstract:
Among the cardiovascular diseases and after ischemic heart disease and stroke, venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. (3). Although VTE is seen across most ethnic groups in the U.S. as well as throughout the world, the rate varies. In the U.S., American Indians/Alaskan Natives as well as Asians have been reported to have a significantly lower rate of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) as compared to blacks and whites. In sharp conrast blacks appear to have much higher rates than whites. Although these rate differences are thought in part by some to be attributable to disparities in diagnosis and care as well as genetics, it nevertheless is important to define as well as to understand the true incidence and impact so that both public health and clinical resources can be maximally utilized. The purpose of this commentary is to review the VTE burden in the U.S. with respect to ethnicity in terms of clinical demographics and genetics with particular emphasis on blacks.
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