ABSTRACT
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common, morbid, and costly disease process with a multitude of risk factors. VTE in the form of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is a common, costly, and morbid problem encountered by both generalists and specialists in a variety of medical and surgical fields. Critically importan t to an understanding of the development of VTE and the management of the patient population is the concept of risk factor synergy or interaction. The risk of VTE attributable to specific cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, however, has been inconsistently demonstrated or even refuted. The risk of VTE associated with obesity and the Factor V Leiden gene mutation was also demonstrated to be significant. The approach to the treatment of VTE is dependent upon a variety of disease and patient factors which influence the choice of therapeutic agents and duration of anticoagulation therapy.
