Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a multi-factorial disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. As it has been reported to occur in about 100–200 cases/100,000 inhabitants per year [1], VTE qualifies as the third most common cardiovascular disease worldwide. Although it can develop in the absence of risk factors of thrombosis, VTE is commonly associated with several conditions, in particular acute medical illnesses requiring hospitalization. Age, reduced mobility, recent surgery, respiratory and heart failure increase the risk of VTE in inpatients [2], as well as diabetes, smoking and obesity [3,4,5].
