Essentials• Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is among the three main causes of
cardiovascular disease worldwide.• This review is the first to summarize the epidemiology of
VTE in African populations.• The prevalence of VTE in Africa is high following surgery, in
pregnancy and post‐partum.• At least one quarter of patients at risk of VTE in Africa are not
receiving prophylaxis. Summary Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is among the
three leading causes of cardiovascular disease worldwide. Despite its high burden, there …

Introduction Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is among the three major causes of
cardiovascular diseases worldwide after ischaemic heart disease and stroke. Knowledge on
the global epidemiology of this condition is deficient in Africa. Accurate data are needed to
evaluate the burden of VTE in Africa to design effective preventive and treatment strategies.
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarise epidemiological data on VTE
in Africa and to evaluate the use of prophylaxis in African patients at risk of VTE. Methods …