World Thrombosis Day 2024

With educational events taking place across numerous countries worldwide, World Thrombosis Day and its partners shine a global spotlight on blood clots as a pressing and escalating health concern.

Their mission aligns with the World Health Assembly's global objective of reducing premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases by 25% by 2025, as well as the World Health Organization's 13th General Programme of Work for 2019–2023, the Montevideo Roadmap for 2018-2030 on NCDs, and the Political Declaration of the UNGA's Third High-level Meeting on NCDs. (1)

What is Thrombosis?

Thrombosis refers to the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, which can occur in any vein or artery. This could manifest as deep vein thrombosis in a vein or affect a coronary artery. Any clot that develops in a blood vessel is known as a “thrombus.”

Once a venous thrombus forms, it can impede or obstruct the normal flow of blood, and may dislodge and travel through the body via the vessels. When a clot moves through the circulation, it is termed an embolism.

Thrombosis is the underlying condition that often leads to preventable heart attacks, thromboembolic strokes, and venous thromboembolism (VTE), which are the top causes of cardiovascular mortality.

Thrombosis is typically classified based on its location in the body, with venous and arterial thrombosis being the two main types, depending on whether the clot forms in a vein or an artery. Both types are influenced by acquired or inherited risk factors, with distinct risk factors for each.

Global Objectives - Working together to save lives

1. Highlight the burden of disease (thrombosis in general) and highlight the need for action, specifically underscoring the unrecognized threat and serious consequences (morbidity and mortality) related to venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atrial fibrillation (AFib).
2. Increase public awareness of the significance, risks, signs and symptoms of thrombosis, specifically VTE and AFib as an important cause of thromboembolic stroke.
3. Empower individuals to talk with their healthcare providers about their risk for thrombosis and appropriate prevention. Empower individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they have signs and symptoms.
4. Galvanize organizations in countries across the globe to conduct appropriate and aligned campaigns in their regions.
5. Advocate for “systems of care” to properly prevent, diagnose and treat VTE and AFib.

To get involved and view the official events page of the World Thrombosis Day campaign, click here

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