# Contemporary Challenges in Venous Thromboembolism: Evolving Populations and Implications for Management and Risk Stratification

## TL;DR

Venous thromboembolism is becoming more common due to changing demographics and new risk factors, requiring updated treatment and risk assessment strategies.

## Contribution

This review highlights emerging risk factors and treatment advances, emphasizing the need for revised risk models and novel biomarkers in VTE management.

## Key findings

- The incidence of VTE is rising due to demographic shifts and new risk factors like cancer treatments and hormonal therapies.
- Existing risk assessment models show limitations in contemporary patient populations, necessitating revisions and new biomarkers.
- DOACs have transformed VTE management, but complex cases require alternative strategies including interventional approaches.

## Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The incidence of VTE continues to increase over time, contributed to by demographic shifts and emerging risk factors, such as novel cancer treatments and exposure to gender-affirming hormonal therapies. While the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) revolutionized VTE management, increasing complexity in select patient cohorts has driven the need for alternative treatment strategies, including pharmacological and interventional approaches. Concurrently, contemporary patient populations have exposed limitations in existing risk assessment models, highlighting the need for revision and consideration of novel biomarkers. In this review, we provide an overview of the changing VTE landscape, highlighting emerging risk factors, advances in treatment, and the utility of current risk stratification tools and novel biomarkers in guiding care.