Abstract

Objective: To explore the association of between common risk factors and the burden of deep vein thrombosis among the elderly.
Methodology: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were selected for review based on the following criteria: studies published in English, qualitative, quantitative, and review studies published from 2018 to November 2024 were included. We searched for relevant published research papers in PubMed, the Scopus database, and Google Scholar. Data analysis was conducted using narrative synthesis and thematic representation. Themes were identified based on commonalities in risk factors, prevalence, and clinical implications reported across studies.
Results: We identified the most common risk factors, like a positive family history, advanced age (≥60 years old), long-term immobility, heart failure, and obesity; intertrochanteric fractures, decreased hemoglobin level, and increased fasting blood glucose, D-dimer levels, pneumonia, chronic heart disease, heart failure, and hyperlipidemia.
Conclusion: This review underscores the significance of age-related changes, lifestyle factors, and comorbid conditions in increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis among the elderly. Implementing prevention strategies and improving awareness among healthcare professionals may help mitigate the burden of deep vein thrombosis in this vulnerable population.

Key words: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), elderly, risk factors.