World Thrombosis Day – Oct. 13, 2026

World Thrombosis Day
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World Thrombosis Day is observed globally every October 13. This vital day, established by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, aims to shed light on the often-misunderstood condition of thrombosis. Join the worldwide effort to educate, advocate, and save lives by understanding the risks and symptoms of blood clots.

Want to sponsor World Thrombosis Day? Learn how

Expected World Thrombosis Day Deals

As a critical awareness initiative, World Thrombosis Day focuses on education and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) and the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) encourage donations and participation in awareness campaigns. Pharmaceutical companies such as Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, and Bayer often support research and patient education through grants and partnerships. Look for opportunities to contribute to research funds, participate in virtual or in-person walks, or purchase branded merchandise where proceeds benefit thrombosis awareness. We encourage visiting the official ISTH website for direct ways to get involved and support life-saving initiatives.

Platform Guide for World Thrombosis Day

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and share professional insights on thrombosis research, patient care, and advocacy efforts within the healthcare community.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #WorldThrombosisDay to share urgent facts, infographics, and personal stories. Engage in real-time discussions about prevention and treatment.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WorldThrombosisDay. Share educational resources, host a live Q&A with a medical professional, or organize a virtual support group.

Social Media Tips for World Thrombosis Day

Individuals

Learn the signs and symptoms of blood clots and share this life-saving information with your friends and family. Consider donating blood or supporting a thrombosis research foundation.

Creators

Develop engaging content that demystifies thrombosis, such as short explainer videos on risk factors or interviews with survivors. Use compelling visuals to convey the urgency of awareness.

Brands

Partner with a leading health organization to co-host an educational webinar or launch a corporate social responsibility campaign centered on blood clot awareness and prevention. Offer employee health screenings.

Organizations & Brands for World Thrombosis Day

  1. International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)

    Founded in 1969, the ISTH is a global organization dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of thrombotic and bleeding disorders. They launched the World Thrombosis Day campaign in 2014.

  2. National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA)

    Established in 2003, the NBCA is a leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of life-threatening blood clots. They provide education and support to patients and healthcare professionals.

  3. Bristol Myers Squibb

    A global biopharmaceutical company, Bristol Myers Squibb has a significant focus on cardiovascular diseases, including the development of therapies for the prevention and treatment of blood clots. They often partner with advocacy groups for awareness.

  4. Pfizer

    As one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer is involved in research and development for various medical conditions, including anticoagulants and other treatments related to thrombosis. They support public health initiatives.

  5. Bayer

    The German multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company Bayer develops and markets a range of products, including medications for cardiovascular health and blood clot prevention. They contribute to global health awareness.

  6. American Heart Association (AHA)

    Founded in 1924, the AHA is a national voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Their mission often intersects with thrombosis awareness, as blood clots can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

    The CDC is the leading national public health agency of the United States. They provide crucial information and resources on blood clot prevention, risk factors, and symptoms as part of their broader cardiovascular health initiatives.

World Thrombosis Day Hero

Rudolf Virchow

Rudolf Virchow (1821–1902) was a German physician, pathologist, and anthropologist often called the 'father of modern pathology.' He is credited with coining the term 'thrombosis' and formulating 'Virchow's Triad,' which describes the three primary factors contributing to thrombus formation: hypercoagulability, hemodynamic changes, and endothelial injury. His foundational work remains central to understanding blood clot formation.

History of World Thrombosis Day

As scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals, you are aware that heart attack, stroke, and venous thromboembolism are the top three causes of cardiovascular death worldwide. Thrombosis is the most common disease-causing these events (V.T.E.). Many of these deaths can be prevented, though.

Thrombosis is a medical disorder that occurs when blood clots clog blood vessels. Venous thrombosis and arterial thrombosis are the two forms of thrombosis. When a blood clot stops a vein, this is known as venous thrombosis. When a blood clot plugs an artery, this is referred to as arterial thrombosis.

Thrombosis affects up to 900,000 people in the United States alone each year. Many people who have venous thrombosis will have long-term consequences. Some of these symptoms include swelling, discomfort, and skin discoloration. Each year, up to 100,000 individuals in the United States die as a result of thrombosis. On a worldwide scale, one in every four people dies as a result of thrombosis-related illnesses.

The first World Thrombosis Day will be held on October 13, 2014, to raise awareness of this critical health concern. World Thrombosis Day is an educational project led by the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (I.S.T.H.) and overseen by prominent medical and public health specialists to lower the considerable illness burden caused by thrombosis.

The goal of World Thrombosis Day is to raise global awareness of thrombosis, including its causes, risk factors, signs and symptoms, and evidence-based prevention and treatment. Finally, the effort aims to minimize the number of people who die or are disabled as a result of the condition.

The World Thrombosis Day mission supports the World Health Assembly’s worldwide goal of lowering noncommunicable disease-related premature deaths by 25% by 2025, as well as the World Health Organization’s global action plan for noncommunicable disease prevention and control between 2013 and 2020.

World Thrombosis Day timeline

1271
First Well-Documented Case of Thrombosis

Raoul experiences unilateral edema in the ankle that spread to the leg.

1600
Clots Forming in Blood Vessels

Mercurialis notices clots occurring in blood vessels at normal body temperature.

1628
Blood Circulation Study

William Harvey, an English physician, presents the first research on blood circulation.

2014
Educational Initiative

The first World Thrombosis Day is held on October 13 to raise awareness about this significant health concern.

How Businesses Can Celebrate World Thrombosis Day

Local businesses can play a vital role in raising awareness for World Thrombosis Day. Healthcare providers and clinics can offer free educational seminars or distribute informational brochures on blood clot prevention and symptoms. Pharmacies might highlight relevant over-the-counter products or provide consultations on medication adherence for patients on anticoagulants. Fitness centers could host special classes emphasizing the importance of physical activity in preventing blood clots, while corporate offices can organize internal awareness campaigns for employees, sharing resources from reputable health organizations. Remember to use #WorldThrombosisDay in all communications.

World Thrombosis Day FAQs

When is World Thrombosis Day?

World Thrombosis Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, October 13. This global observance underscores the urgent need to address the often-overlooked dangers of blood clots.

How many people are affected by blood clots?

Globally, thrombosis-related conditions contribute to one in four deaths. In the United States alone, approximately 900,000 individuals are affected by blood clots each year, with around 100,000 fatalities, surpassing the combined annual deaths from AIDS, breast cancer, and automobile accidents.

What are the common types of thrombosis?

The most common types of thrombosis include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg, and pulmonary embolism (PE), which occurs when a DVT breaks off and travels to the lungs. Both are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions.

What are the key risk factors for blood clots?

Key risk factors for developing blood clots include prolonged immobility (such as long flights or bed rest), surgery, cancer and its treatments, pregnancy, hormonal birth control, obesity, and a family history of blood clots. Age also plays a role, with risk increasing after 60.

How to Observe World Thrombosis Day

  1. Learn more about thrombosis

    Learn more about thrombosis and discuss the dangers with your doctor. Learn about renowned thrombosis survivors, including Hillary Clinton, Serena Williams, and James Stewart.

  2. Share it on social media

    If you have survived thrombosis, please share your experience with others by using #WorldThrombosisDay. You can ever share symptoms and what to look for on your social media.

  3. Participate in an event

    Live webinars, instructive seminars, distinguished speakers, and a design contest are among the events. Interviews with thrombosis survivors and medical experts are also included.

5 Facts About Thrombosis

  1. May have no symptoms

    Blood clots might be asymptomatic or cause your limb or arm to enlarge and ache.

  2. Blood clots can break loose

    Blood clots can break free and move to your lungs (pulmonary embolism), causing breathing issues and perhaps death.

  3. Some patients are more vulnerable

    People with autoimmune illnesses, such as lupus, and those living with H.I.V. are also at an increased risk for V.T.E.

  4. No routine screening

    Routine screening tests for common illnesses such as diabetes and high cholesterol are available, but there are no evidence-based screening tests for blood clots.

  5. Lifestyle is important for prevention

    Some risk factors, such as age or family history, are unchangeable, but behaviors are.

Why World Thrombosis Day is Important

  1. It raises awareness

    Increase public and health professional knowledge of the prevalence and hazards of thrombosis, as well as take action. You can do this through educational programs throughout the year.

  2. It links to people who are experiencing the same issue

    World Thrombosis Day encourages individuals to live a healthier lifestyle. Individuals begin to encounter new people who can connect with and understand them by watching the day and participating in healthy activities.

  3. It brings us together for a good cause

    People throughout the world are united by the shared goal of improving health. This is encouraged and should be done regularly.

World Thrombosis Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 October 13 Tuesday
2027 October 13 Wednesday
2028 October 13 Friday
2029 October 13 Saturday
2030 October 13 Sunday