Risk Factors and Epidemiology of Pulmonary Embolism

More than 200,000 individuals are hospitalized with an acute pulmonary embolism in the United States annually. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, pulmonary embolism accounts for nearly 1% of all cardiovascular-related deaths each year in the United States alone. Those who survive an acute episode remain at a risk of recurrent events as well as ongoing dyspnea, reduced quality of life, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Recognized risk factors for pulmonary embolism include advanced age, obesity, smoking, malignancy, immobilization from any cause, pregnancy and the postpartum period, oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy. Numerous heritable and acquired thrombophilias increase the risk of pulmonary embolism. Additionally, inflammation and autoimmune disorders are increasingly recognized as potent risk factors for pulmonary embolism. This review contains 3 figures, 6 tables, 54 references. Key Words: anticoagulation, deep vein thrombosis, epidemiology, genetics, inflammation, malignancy, pulmonary embolism, thrombosis, venous thromboembolism