what is vte

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) is a medical condition that refers to blood clots in the veins. It is an underdiagnosed and serious, yet preventable condition that can cause disability and death. VTE includes two interrelated conditions that are part of the same spectrum: deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) . DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis. PE is the obstruction of blood flow to one or more arteries of the lung by a thrombus lodged in a pulmonary vessel. VTE is most common in adults 60 and older, but it can occur at any age. Some factors that can increase the risk of developing VTE include injury to a vein, infection, slow blood flow from immobilization, genetics and family history of VTE, high estrogen due to pregnancy, birth control or hormone replacement therapy, blood clotting conditions, certain chronic illnesses, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise. Treatment for VTE focuses on preventing existing clots from getting bigger and new clots from forming, and may include anticoagulants (blood thinners), compression stockings, and intermittent pneumatic compression devices.