This study has two main clinical implications. First, the identification of VT risk factors in an aged population which helps to personalizing care.  In the elderly, male sex and age over 80 years constitute risk factors for VT. In addition, I observed that a prior MI - which is a common manifestation of atherosclerosis- was associated with an increased risk of PE, a potentially fatal presentation of VT.  THose individuals might warrant an individualized medical attention.

Second, the use of antiplatelet agents and cholesterol lowering drugs, both widely available and inexpensive medications, were associated witha lower risk of VT.  This observations provide a hypothesis for interventional studies.

From a patho-physiological standpoint, these findings offer indirect, evidence of the potential link between athrosclerosis and venosu thrombosis.

Since the elderly, a growing population worldwide, represent a high-risk group for VT, the identification of clinical risk factors and the assessment of safe and efficacious strategies for primary and/or secondary prevention have potential impact.