Dilemmas in the management of venous thromboembolism in older patients

Venous thromboembolism most commonly affects older patients. Despite the high incidence in this population, challenges remain in terms of the understanding of its presentation, diagnosis and management. Old age is associated with multi-morbidities which may complicate the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism as signs or symptoms may be attributed to underlying medical conditions. The presence of certain comorbidities (such as congestive cardiac failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) also increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, but could mimic the clinical features of pulmonary embolism. In addition, the physiological processes associated with ageing and factors such as immobility and malignancy, which are more common in older people, will further increase the thrombotic risk. Dilemmas also exist with treatment decisions because of the concomitant increased risk of bleeding, comorbidities, polypharmacy, frailty and the risk of falls.