Obesity and thromboembolic disease

Clin Chest Med. 2009 Sep;30(3):489-93, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2009.05.006.

Abstract

Various abnormalities of hemostasis have been described in obesity, mainly concerning increased levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, but other abnormalities of coagulation and platelet activation have been reported as well. Circulating microparticles have also been observed in obese patients. These suggest that obesity would be a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Analysis of the database of the National Hospital Discharge Survey showed compelling evidence that obesity is, in fact, a risk factor for VTE. Obesity is also a risk factor for recurrent VTE. A synergistic effect of oral contraceptives with obesity has been shown.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Hemostasis / physiology
  • Humans
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • Obesity / therapy
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / physiopathology
  • Pulmonary Embolism / therapy
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Venous Thrombosis / physiopathology
  • Venous Thrombosis / therapy