National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Programs for Deep Vein Thrombosis

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) supports research in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), common medical events that, if not diagnosed and treated effectively, may cause significant disability and death. DVT and PE are thought to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral risk factors and are associated with many medical conditions. They occur as a major complication of surgeries, severe trauma, chronic illnesses, hormone therapy, pregnancy, obesity, and advanced age. Thus, venous thromboembolism (VTE) affects many and involves a variety of health care specialties.In May 2006, NHLBI cosponsored the Surgeon General’s Workshop on Deep Vein Thrombosis which focused attention on this serious public health issue. The workshop provided an opportunity for scientific experts to share recent research advances and to identify areas that would advance DVT and PE research. Key topics discussed at the workshop included epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and therapy. Among the research and education priorities cited by the workshop attendees were identification of biomarkers to predict primary or recurrent DVT and postthrombotic syndrome, determination …