Antithrombotic Agents in the Prevention and Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism is a major health problem,carrying significant morbidity and mortality, with an incidence that exceeds I per 1 000. Independent risk factors for venous thromboembolism include increasing age, male gender, surgery, trauma, hospital or nursing home confinement, neurologic disease with extremity paresis, central venous catheter/transvenous pacemaker, prior superficial vein thrombosis, and varicose, among women, the risk factors include pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy.