Deep vein thrombosis epidemiology and demographics

Editors-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. Associate Editor-In-Chief: Ujjwal Rastogi, MBBS [mailto:urastogi@perfuse.org]

Overview
Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism (DVT/PE) represent a major public health problem, exacting a significant human and economic toll on the nation. It is estimated that approximately 350,000 to 600,000 Americans each year suffer from DVT and pulmonary embolism and at least 100,000 deaths may be directly or indirectly related to these diseases.

Over 200,000 new cases of VTE occur annually. About two-thirds of episodes manifest as DVT and one-third as PE with or without DVT. Of these, 30 percent die within 30 days, one-fifth suffer sudden death due to PE, and about 30 percent develop recurrent VTE within 10 years. Independent predictors for recurrence include increasing age, obesity, malignant neoplasm and extremity paresis.

Prevalence by Age
DVT is much more common in the elderly population as compared to pediatrics. About 1 in 100,000 people under the age of 18 experiences deep vein thrombosis, possibly due to
 * Children heartrate being higher than adult
 * Relatively active lifestyle when compared with adults
 * Fewer comorbidities (e.g. malignancy).

Age greater than 45 is significantly associated with increased incidence of DVT.

Prevalence by Gender
Males gender is associated with a higher risk than female gender, and the risk increases with age in both genders.

In studies conducted in Worcester, Massachusetts, and Olmsted County, Minnesota, the incidence of Venous thromboembolism (VTE) was about 1 in 1,000. In both studies, VTE was more common in men; for each 10-year increase in age, the incidence doubled. By extrapolation, it's estimated that more than 250,000 patients are hospitalized annually with VTE.

Prevalence by Race
Caucasians and African Americans have a significantly higher incidence than Hispanics and Asians or Pacific Islanders. Observed ethnic differences in thrombosis incidence might be related to a lower prevalence of disorders like factor V Leiden or the prothrombin 20210A mutation in non-Caucasians.