According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than two million Americans are affected each year by venous thrombosis, potentially dangerous blood clots.

The AHA and the American Public Health Association report that as many as 200,000 people will die each year from one of the two main types of venous thrombosis — a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism (PE). This is more than breast cancer, AIDS, and car accidents combined.

Inherited Risk
Encouraging Prevention

Inherited Risk

Having an inherited thrombophilia increases your chances of having a venous thrombosis. About 25 percent of people who experience their first DVT or PE have an inherited thrombophilia. About 63 percent of people who have their first DVT or PE and also have a family history of blood clots have an inherited thrombophilia.

Not everyone with a history of blood clots has an inherited thrombophilia, however. Venous thrombosis also occurs in people with normal genes. In these cases, it is usually caused by a combination of nongenetic risk factors.

Encouraging Prevention

Public health officials are concerned about the low level of public awareness about venous thrombosis. Many people do not know the symptoms of blood clots, and all too often venous thrombosis is underdiagnosed. A recent report from the APHA states that venous thrombosis is the leading cause of unexpected hospital deaths — and it is preventable.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently focused public and medical attention on increasing awareness about thrombophilia. In response, a number of new coalitions, including the National Alliance of Thrombosis and Thrombophilia (NATT), have formed to advance awareness and research.