Statistics

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) = Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and/or Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT: A blood clot that forms in a deep vein -- usually the leg or areas below the waist but can also occur in the arms.

Pulmonary Embolism or PE: A blood clot that travels to the lungs from another location.

DVT/PE Statistics:

  • 300,000 to 600,000 people are affected by VTE each year in the United States
  • 60,000-100,000 Americans die each year of VTE
  • Sudden death is the first symptom in about 25% of people who have a PE
  • Among people who have had a DVT, one-half will have long-term complications (post-thrombotic syndrome) such as swelling, pain, discoloration, and scaling in the affected limb
  • One-third (about 33%) of people with DVT/PE will have a recurrence within 10 years
  • Estimates of incremental inpatient cost are $10,000 per DVT and $20,000 per PE

References: (Beckman et al., 2010, Am J Prev Med); (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2013)