The risk of recurrent venous thromboembolic disease — implications for treatment

Patients with venous thromboembolism are at risk of recurrent thrombosis. Since this risk is particularly high within the first weeks and months after the acute event, intensive heparin treatment followed by oral anticoagulants for at least 3 to 6 months is generally recommended. After discontinuation of secondary thromboprophylaxis, the cumulative incidence of recurrence still remains high (approximately 20% after 5 years).