Long-term complications of recurrent VTE. Nonfatal, life-altering complications of VTE include postthrombotic syndrome (after DVT), chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (after PE), exercise intolerance, posttraumatic stress, dyspnea, anxiety, functional/exercise limitation, pain, reduced quality of life, and health care costs.^2,40  These symptoms may have a major impact on functional outcome.⁴⁰