Hypercoagulability and venous thromboembolism: a review.

This review addresses the numerous factors that predispose individuals for venous thromboembolic events (VTE). Both acquired and genetically inherited factors are reviewed with their approximate relative risk of developing VTE. Oral contraceptive use and hormone replacement therapy, as well as the prevalence of VTE associated with pregnancy, are also addressed. Particular attention is directed to the frequency of more than 1 predisposing factor being present, further increasing the risk of VTE or its recurrence.