A blood clot can develop with little warning, so knowing your risk could save your life. The latest deep vein thrombosis statistics highlight just how common DVT and other blood clot conditions have become.
We’re breaking down the latest data on blood clot prevalence, mortality, risk factors, recurrence rates, treatment outcomes, and healthcare costs to help you better understand deep vein thrombosis.
If you’re concerned about your vein health or blood clot risk, Delaware Advanced Vein Center provides cardiologist-led vein care, including spider vein and varicose vein treatments to protect your circulation and support healthier legs.
Healthier veins start with your first appointment.
Blood Clot Prevalence and Mortality
How many people get blood clots each year in the United States?
Each year, blood clots affect up to 900,000 people in the United States.
How many deaths worldwide are caused by thrombosis?
Thrombosis is responsible for 1 in 4 deaths worldwide.
How many Americans die from venous thromboembolism each year?
An estimated 60,000 to 100,000 Americans die from venous thromboembolism (VTE) each year, and many others experience long-term complications after a VTE.
How many people die from blood clots each day in the United States?
On average, 274 people die each day from blood clots in the United States.
How often does someone die from a blood clot in the U.S.?
On average, one person dies every six minutes from a blood clot in the United States.
Pulmonary Embolism and DVT Mortality
What is the mortality rate for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism?
Death occurs in approximately 6% of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) cases and 12% of pulmonary embolism (PE) cases within one month of diagnosis.
What is the mortality rate of pulmonary embolism?
Studies have estimated mortality rates as high as 30% in people who experience a pulmonary embolism, particularly when diagnosis or treatment is delayed.
How many people die from pulmonary embolism each year in the U.S.?
Nearly 300,000 patients die from pulmonary embolism each year in the United States, making PE one of the most serious and potentially fatal blood clot complications.
How often is sudden death the first sign of a pulmonary embolism?
Sudden death is the first symptom in approximately 25% of people who experience a pulmonary embolism.
Blood Clot Risk Factors
What are the most common risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A study of 21,860 people with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) found that the most common risk factors were:
- Hospitalization: 52%
- Cancer: 48%
- Surgery: 42%
- Trauma: 6%
How does pregnancy increase the risk of blood clots?
Women are five times more likely to experience a venous thromboembolism (VTE) during pregnancy, childbirth, or the three months following delivery compared to women who are not pregnant.
How many venous thromboembolism (VTE) cases are related to cancer?
An estimated one in five cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are related to cancer and its treatment.
How does COVID-19 increase blood clot risk?
During the first week after a COVID-19 diagnosis, the risk of an arterial blood clot was nearly 22 times higher than in someone without COVID-19.
How common is thrombosis among hospitalized patients?
Studies estimate that up to 20% of patients admitted to medical services and up to 40% of patients admitted to surgical services will develop thrombosis.
How does obesity increase the risk of venous thrombosis?
Obesity is associated with a 2- to 3-fold higher risk of venous thrombosis in both men and women.
How does long-distance travel increase the risk of blood clots?
Long-distance travel by air, car, train, or bus for four or more hours can double the risk of venous thrombosis for several weeks after travel.
Blood Clot Prevention and Treatment Adherence
How many healthcare-associated blood clots are preventable?
As many as 70% of healthcare-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) cases may be preventable through measures such as anticoagulant medications and compression stockings.
How does anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis reduce VTE risk?
Anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis has been associated with significant VTE risk reduction, with studies reporting reductions of 40% and 85% depending on the patient population and treatment context.
How many VTE patients do not use compression stockings or devices correctly?
About 25% of VTE patients do not use their compression devices or stockings as recommended, which may reduce the effectiveness of preventive care.
Blood Clot Recurrence and Long-Term Complications
How often do blood clots come back after a VTE?
About one-third (33%) of people who experience a venous thromboembolism (VTE) will have another clot within 10 years.
How many people have long-term complications after a DVT?
Among people who have had deep vein thrombosis (DVT), one-third to one-half develop long-term complications called post-thrombotic syndrome, which may include swelling, pain, discoloration, and skin scaling in the affected limb.
How often does venous thrombosis come back after a first episode?
Venous thrombosis is often a chronic condition. After a first episode, recurrence rates are estimated at 5% to 7% per year.
Are men more likely than women to have a recurring blood clot?
Yes. Research suggests that men have an approximately 60% higher risk of experiencing a recurrent venous thrombosis compared to women after an initial blood clot.
Blood Clot Treatment Costs
How much does blood clot treatment cost per patient?
Treatment for blood clots can cost between $15,000 and $20,000 per patient and often results in hospital readmissions, adding to the overall burden of care.
How much do blood clots cost the U.S. healthcare system each year?
Blood clots cost the United States up to $10 billion annually in healthcare expenses.
Stay Healthy and Reduce Your Blood Clot Risk with Preventive Vein Care
You don’t have to keep living with leg pain, swelling, or discomfort from visible veins.
Dr. Anthony Alfieri provides thorough vein evaluations and minimally invasive treatments to improve circulation, reduce your risk of future complications, and keep your legs healthy.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward better vein health.
Sources
- CDC. “Data and Statistics on Venous Thromboembolism.” January 27, 2025.
- Sheikh M. Waheed. “Deep Venous Thrombosis.” January 19, 2023. National Library of Medicine.
- CardinalHealth. “Deep vein thrombosis: life-threatening but preventable.” March 25, 2022.
- Mary Cushman. “Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Venous Thrombosis.” April 1, 2008.
- CDC. “Impact of Blood Clots on the United States Infographic.” May 15, 2024.
- Aaron Wendelboe. “Global Health Burden of Venous Thromboembolism.” April 24, 2024. AHA/ASA Journals.