Prospective Evaluation of Long-term Outcomes after Pulmonary Embolism: The ELOPE Study

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious cardiovascular condition. VTE consists of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the veins of the leg) and pulmonary embolism (PE) (blood clots lodging in lung arteries). PE, the most serious form of VTE, affects about 30,000 Canadians each year. Most patients are expected to survive a PE if diagnosis and treatment are initiated early. However, very little is known about the long term effects of PE on one's health. In this study we will carefully evaluate the long-term impact of PE on heart and lung function, quality of life, ability to work, symptoms of breathlessness and functional status of patients one year after their initial diagnosis and treatment for PE. We will try to determine which features of PE at the time of diagnosis or during follow-up are associated with poorer outcomes. Our results will provide new, important information on the long term prognosis of PE for patients and physicians and could influence future preventive or treatment strategies for this condition.