Understanding and preventing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism

Deep vein thrombosis and its complications, including pulmonary embolism, are major health problems in the United States, resulting in more than 260,000 hospital admissions and 100,000 deaths each year. Thirty percent of patients diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis will experience at least one recurrence of symptoms. To minimize patient morbidity and mortality and to contain health care costs, prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions are essential. In this article the incidence pathophysiology risk factors, and clinical course of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are discussed, as well as the clinician's role in prevention and treatment.