Venous thromboembolism and acute cardiovascular events: A focus on mass gatherings

Mass gathering events such as sporting events, religious gatherings, and music festivals, pose unique health challenges. This paper discusses how such as prolonged immobility, dehydration, and excessive physical exertion contribute to acute cardiovascular events and Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) incidents during these events. With approximately 10 million cases of VTE globally each year, its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD), which accounted for 33% of global deaths in 2019 emphasizes the public health significance of this issue. VTE and CVD are linked by shared risk factors such as obesity, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, and often co-occur due to overlapping pathophysiological pathways. We detail how scenarios commonly encountered in mass gatherings, such as prolonged standing, sitting, and exposure to heat, exacerbate cardiovascular stress and promote thrombus formation. Additionally, inadequate medical infrastructure at these events complicates timely intervention, potentially leading to severe complications. To mitigate these risks, we propose a set of strategies for event organizers which includes the implementation of mobility-enhancing designs, hydration stations, and pre-event education on health risks. By adopting these measures, event planners can significantly reduce the likelihood of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and VTE incidents, thereby promoting participant well-being. This proactive approach is essential for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by 30% by 2030.