About World Thrombosis Day
Every year on October 13, communities, healthcare professionals, and organizations worldwide unite for World Thrombosis Day.
This vital global health observance focuses attention on a condition that is often hidden in plain sight yet constitutes one of the world's leading causes of death and disability: thrombosis.
By shining a light on the causes, symptoms, and risk factors of dangerous blood clots, the campaign aims to save lives through education and early action.
World Thrombosis Day
Observed annually on the birthday of the pioneering 19th-century physician Dr. Rudolf Virchow—who first established the medical concept of thrombosis—World Thrombosis Day was launched in 2014 by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH).
The initiative brings together hundreds of educational events, global health seminars, and public campaigns designed to dismantle the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding blood clots.
From hospital lobbies to social media platforms, the overarching goal is simple: to make the public and medical communities more aware of how venous and arterial thromboembolism affect everyday lives.
Did you know? Thrombosis is the underlying pathology of heart attacks, stroke, and venous thromboembolism (VTE), making it a factor in 1 out of every 4 deaths globally.
World Thrombosis Day
Understanding what thrombosis is can make all the difference in recognizing its warning signs early.
Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms inside a blood vessel, obstructing the normal flow of blood. These clots can develop in the veins—most commonly in the deep veins of the leg, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—or they can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (PE).
They can also form in arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart or brain. Knowing the risk factors, such as prolonged immobility, surgery, cancer, pregnancy, and genetic predispositions, empowers individuals to talk to their healthcare providers about prevention strategies.
Getting involved in World Thrombosis Day is a powerful way to make a difference in your community. Here are some of the ways you can participate and help spread awareness:
Wear red and blue: Show your support by wearing the official colors of the global campaign or sharing campaign infographics on your social media channels.
Educate yourself and others: Learn the signs and symptoms of DVT and pulmonary embolism, and share this lifesaving information with friends, family, and coworkers.
Move your body: Emphasize cardiovascular wellness by engaging in regular physical activity, staying hydrated, and taking walking breaks during long periods of travel or desk work.
Host an educational event: Organize a wellness seminar, informational booth, or virtual talk through your workplace, school, or local community center to highlight vascular health.
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