Strategic Plan - Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

Priority: Preventing death and disability associated with Venous Thromboembolism (VTE).

What Is the Problem?

• VTE, including deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE) are under-diagnosed, serious, preventable medical conditions.
  
  
• The precise number of people in the U.S. affected by DVT/PE is unknown, however estimates range from 350,000-600,000 annually.
  
  
• DVT/PE is a leading cause of maternal death.
  
  
• For people who have a PE, about one quarter die suddenly.
  
  

What Do We Know?

• Many of the risk factors for DVT/PE are well described and include: obesity, immobility, recent hospitalization, and history of inherited clotting disorders.
  
  
• However, an estimated one-third to one-half of DVT/PE events occur without any known risk factors.
  
  

What Can We Do?

Now is the time for action. Our comprehensive public health approach to blood disorders includes data collection, research to identify preventable or modifiable risk factors, and activities to develop, evaluate and ensure widespread adoption of effective prevention strategies.

These activities will help us:

• Clearly define the burden and challenges of VTEs, including DVT/PE;
  
  
• Define the risk factors in selected patient groups, such as women during pregnancy and individuals who have had a surgical procedure; and
  
  
• Develop guidelines and policies for the prevention and treatment of DVT/PE.
  
  

NCBDDD Strategic Plan 2011-2015

Learn more about NCBDDD’s strategic plan and priorities.