A global review of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was published in Nature Reviews Cardiology on September 27, 2026. This summary separates population burden from individual clinical decisions.[1]
Read the year and outcome definition first
The review estimates approximately 2.5 million new DVT cases and 1.6 million new PE cases worldwide in 2019. These are historical estimates, not a count of cases in 2026.[1]
Among patients with PE, 30-day all-cause mortality ranged from 1–9%; more than half of deaths were not attributable to PE. One-year cumulative VTE recurrence ranged from 2.9–8.1%. All-cause and PE-related mortality are different outcomes.[1]
Regional coverage limits extrapolation
Reliable evidence was concentrated in North America, Western Europe and Oceania.[1] Differences in source populations and coverage should remain visible when interpreting these ranges. They should not be presented as Taiwan-specific rates or an individual patient's prognosis.
Three checks before applying a burden estimate
The following is an appraisal checklist, not a new treatment guideline from this review.
- Is the denominator the general population or patients already diagnosed with PE?
- Is the outcome all-cause death, PE-related death or recurrent VTE, and is the follow-up period comparable?
- Does the study population match the patient's clinical setting, and can this estimate support the decision being considered?
Connect education to timely recognition
DVT and PE require clinical assessment and diagnostic testing. Patients should seek prompt evaluation for new unilateral swelling, pain, warmth or discoloration. Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood or fainting requires emergency care. PE can occur without obvious leg symptoms.[2]
Scope of this update
This is an interpretation of disease burden and evidence limitations. It does not establish new anticoagulant choices, doses or treatment durations. Prevention and treatment decisions should follow applicable guidance and individual assessment, including bleeding risk.
References
- Bikdeli B, et al. Global burden of venous thromboembolism: incidence and outcome estimates of deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Nature Reviews Cardiology. Published September 27, 2026. doi:10.1038/s41569-026-01334-3. View source
- CDC. About Venous Thromboembolism (Blood Clots). March 5, 2025. View source
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