Venous thromboembolism: epidemiology, characteristics, and consequences.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) and its manifestations, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), pose a life-threatening health problem for thousands of people each year. The diagnosis of VTE is frequently missed, however, because few signs and symptoms are recognized. Symptoms of DVT may include pain, erythema, tenderness, and swelling of the affected limb, whereas PE often presents as sudden breathlessness with chest pain, or collapse with shock in the absence of other causes. Greater awareness of the epidemiology of VTE, the consequences of VTE, and the risk factors for VTE can help health care providers take appropriate preventive measures to reduce the incidence of VTE.