Cor Vasa 2011, 53(4-5):268-272 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2011.060

Preclinical atherosclerosis as a cause of venous thromboembolism

Ondřej Auzký^1,*, Libuše Pagáčová², Jan Piťha¹

¹ Laboratoř pro výzkum aterosklerózy

² Autotransfuzní jednotka, Institut klinické a experimentální medicíny, Praha, Česká republika

Despite the traditionally different perception of venous and arterial thromboses, both entities share common characteristics and risk factors. The common features and high prevalence of venous and arterial thromboses in the population raise the question of an interaction of the causes and consequences of both disorders. The thrombophilic action with a possible systemic impact of atherosclerosis has been described. Research on the impact of atherosclerosis on an increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism has brought inconclusive results so far. Published trials differed in the study design and populations. Recent results show an increased prevalence of the risk factors of atherosclerosis in patients with defined thrombophilia and venous thromboembolism, and an increased prevalence of preclinical atherosclerosis detected by ultrasound in patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism. Current clinical practice shows that there is a need for improved stratification of the risk of venous thromboembolism and of the risk/benefit ratio of anticoagulant treatment. Ultrasound assessment of preclinical atherosclerosis and assessment of traditional risk factors of atherosclerosis may help to identify patients at increased risk of venous thromboembolism.

Keywords: Venous thromboembolism; Risk factors; Preclinical atherosclerosis; Thrombophilia

Published: April 1, 2011  Show citation