Cardinal Health

Preventing Venous Thromboembolism: A Healthcare Professional Guide to Intervention 16 GP Home PTS Hospital Gradual Decline in QOL 47% (155 of 334) of patients surveyed developed Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS) following a DVT diagnosis. • Self-reported physical QOL in patients with PTS is poor, to a degree that is comparable to that of patients with serious chronic diseases such as diabetes, obstructive lung disease, and congestive heart failure. • The principal factor that influences long term QOL after DVT is whether or not a patient develops PTS. • Patients with DVT who do not develop PTS can expect that at 2 years, their QOL will improve to a level similar to that of the general population. • In a study by Pengo et al, 3.8% of 314 consecutive patients who presented with acute pulmonary emboli developed symptomatic pulmonary hypertension within 2 years. 31 • Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disease and symptoms include dyspnea, fatigue, fainting, chest pain, ankle and leg swelling and for many patients can lead to significant heart failure. Patient Impact. Reduced Quality of Life. 30