* The data on this page are from the article, “Venous Thromboembolism: A Public Health Concern.external icon”

The precise number of people affected by DVT/PE is unknown, although as many as 900,000 people could be affected (1 to 2 per 1,000) each year in the United States.

Estimates suggest that 60,000-100,000 Americans die of DVT/PE (also called venous thromboembolism). 10 to 30% of people will die within one month of diagnosis. Sudden death is the first symptom in about one-quarter (25%) of people who have a PE.

Among people who have had a DVT, one third to one half will have long-term complications (post-thrombotic syndrome) such as swelling, pain, discoloration, and scaling in the affected limb.

One-third (about 33%) of people with DVT/PE will have a recurrence within 10 years.

Approximately 5 to 8% of the U.S. population has one of several genetic risk factors, also known as inherited thrombophilias in which a genetic defect can be identified that increases the risk for thrombosis.