Venous thromboembolic events

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a term used to describe the formation of a thrombus in the deep vein. DVT occurs in approximately one in 1,000 people and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality.

Venous thromboembolism can be described as provoked or unprovoked. Provoking factors include significant immobility, surgery, trauma, pregnancy or puerperium (the six-week period following the baby’s birth) and the combined contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

These risk factors can be modified, thereby reducing the risk of recurrence, in which case the duration of anticoagulation would normally be limited to three months. If the event was deemed to be unprovoked, then long-term anticoagulation may need to be considered if the cause is not easily correctable or is unknown.

Secondary prevention of stroke in AF

A stroke secondary to AF is often severe and results in long-term disability. The risk of death from stroke is double if associated with AF.