- Thrombosis affects individuals of all ages and from every corner of the world, resulting in approximately 10 million deaths annually1.
- In Europe alone, thrombosis causes more deaths than breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, and road traffic accidents combined2.
- Every six seconds, someone dies from a thrombotic event globally3.
- Blood clots due to venous thrombosis claim over 500,000 lives in the EU4.
Brussels, October 13 – World Thrombosis Day, observed on October 13th each year, aims to raise awareness about the symptoms and preventability of thrombosis, a condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots, can have severe consequences, but with knowledge and timely action, it is largely preventable.
Viatris, a global healthcare company and official supporter of World Thrombosis Day has used this year’s awareness day theme of Move Against Thrombosis to launch their own campaign on social media, encouraging us to MOVE | KNOW | THINK.
MOVE: Your body for prevention
KNOW: The symptoms, stay aware
THINK: Ask your doctor to think thrombosis
The campaign by Viatris, aligned with the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) communications campaign, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the symptoms of thrombosis and taking preventive measures to safeguard our health.
Partnering once again with the ISTH, who lead World Thrombosis Day to help raise awareness of this preventable disease, the aim of the campaign by Viatris is to spread awareness on World Thrombosis Day, and to empower individuals and communities to take charge of their health and combat this preventable disease.

Shaantanu Donde, Head of Portfolio Management Team, in Viatris Medical Affairs - Developed Markets, highlights the importance of prevention, "Thrombosis is a serious condition that can have devastating consequences. By recognizing the symptoms and taking preventive measures, we can reduce the burden of this disease. It all starts with knowledge and action. Every individual has the power to be proactive in preventing thromboembolism. By taking these preventive measures, we can save countless lives and reduce the burden on healthcare systems worldwide.”
Know the Symptoms: Early Recognition is Key5
It is crucial to understand the warning signs of thrombosis. Prompt identification and appropriate action can potentially save lives. Common symptoms include:
- Unexplained swelling, pain, or tenderness in the arms or legs
- Warmth and redness over a specific area of the skin
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat and dizziness
- Sudden severe headache or blurred vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Remember, early recognition plays a vital role in preventing complications associated with thrombosis.
Prevention Tips: Take Control of Your Health6
Thrombosis is preventable in many cases. By adopting a few simple lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk. Consider the following preventive measures:
- Get Active: Regular exercise improves blood circulation and helps prevent blood clots. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity increases the risk of thrombosis. Focus on maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink an adequate amount of water each day to prevent dehydration, which can contribute to blood clot formation.
- Take Breaks: Avoid prolonged sitting or standing, especially during long flights or road trips. Make sure to stretch your legs and move around regularly.
For more information and resources on thrombosis prevention, visit www.worldthrombosisday.org.
Join us on World Thrombosis Day as we raise awareness, educate, and empower communities to combat thromboembolism. Together, we can make a difference.
Follow Viatris on these channels to learn more about their campaign:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/viatris/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viatrisinc/
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ViatrisInc
EU Policy Twitter/ X https://twitter.com/ViatrisEUPolicy
About World Thrombosis Day
Led by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH), World Thrombosis Day highlights the need for individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to work together in preventing and treating thrombosis. The annual campaign aims to educate the public and increase awareness about the risk factors, symptoms, and prevention of this potentially life-threatening condition and drive action to reduce the burden of these conditions worldwide.
About Viatris
Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) is a global healthcare company empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life. We provide access to medicines, advance sustainable operations, develop innovative solutions and leverage our collective expertise to connect more people to more products and services through our one-of-a-kind Global Healthcare Gateway®. Formed in November 2020, Viatris brings together scientific, manufacturing and distribution expertise with proven regulatory, medical, and commercial capabilities to deliver high-quality medicines to patients in more than 165 countries and territories. Viatris' portfolio comprises more than 1,400 approved molecules across a wide range of therapeutic areas, spanning both non-communicable and infectious diseases, including globally recognized brands, complex generic and branded medicines, and a variety of over-the-counter consumer products. With more than 38,000 colleagues globally, Viatris is headquartered in the U.S., with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai and Hyderabad, India. Learn more at viatris.com and investor.viatris.com, and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
1World Thrombosis Day. Retrieved from https://www.worldthrombosisday.org/know-thrombosis/
2World Thrombosis Day. Retrieved from https://www.worldthrombosisday.org/know-thrombosis/know-the-signs/
3Thrombosis UK. Retrieved from https://thrombosisuk.org/vte-prevention.php
4The Vitae clinic study. Retrieved from http://www.coalitiontopreventvte.org/INDEX_CFM/T/VTE___THE_BURDEN/VID/49CB8F2B_1422_16B3_7884634B147F.HTM Cohen AT et al. Thromb Haemost. 2007;98:756-64
5National Blood Clot Alliance, Stop The Clot®. Retrieved from https://www.stoptheclot.org/learn_more/prevention_of_thrombosis/
6National Blood Clot Alliance, Stop The Clot®. Retrieved from https://www.stoptheclot.org/learn_more/prevention_of_thrombosis/