The prevalence and incidence of venous thromboembolism and other venous disease has been determined as part of a longitudinal study of health and disease in a Michigan community. When these data are extrapolated to 1970 U.S. census figures, a rough estimate of annual incidence of clinically recognized deep venous thrombosis is over 250,000 cases while that of superficial thrombophlebitis is over 123,000. An estimated 24 million US citizens have "significant" varicose veins while 6 to 7 million have stasis changes in the skin of the legs and 400,000 to 500,000 have or have had a varicose ulcer. The relatively high frequency of these conditions in the adult population of Tecumseh, Michigan, indicates that they represent several of the more common medical problems encountered by the practicing physician.

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This review of the epidemiology of venous thromboembolism includes estimates of incidence and prevalence of venous thrombosis and its sequelae, a discussion geographical, annual and seasonal variations and data concerning possible risk factors. Selection of patients at increased risk for development of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism for specific diagnostic screening or for prophylactic therapy with low-dose heparin may be a more effective approach to lowering morbidity and mortality from this disease.

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